The convener of the Country First Movement, Professor Chris Nwokobia has refuted claims made by Bayo Onanuga that Peter Obi Is complicit in planned protests, asserting that there is no truth to the accusations and that Onanuga’s statements only show that he loves “half truths and falsehoods.”
Onanuga, who serves as the special advisor on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu alleged that supporters of Peter Obi are behind the proposed nationwide protest scheduled to hold between August 1 and 15 against the rising cost of living and economic hardship in the country. The presidential aide claims that the organisers are the same individuals who hijacked the End SARS protest of 2020 and are planning mayhem in Nigeria, adding that Obi should be held responsible for anarchy because his supporters are upset that their “Messiah” failed to win the presidency in the 2023 election and “as bad losers, they don’t have the patience to wait for another election in 2027,” so they are choosing to destabilise Nigeria ‘by staging a civilian coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
However, Nwokobia came to the defence of Obi during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, saying that Obi has consistently been a “man of peace” who values due process. He pointed out that despite “allegedly’ losing the election, Obi “did not call the people out to protest,” during the judicial process that followed, which makes it unlikely he would suddenly incite protests now.
“If there’s anybody stoking the fire or stoking the embers of conflict and crisis, it is Bayo Onanuga. When Bayo Onanuga refuses to understand that the right to protest and protestation is intrinsic in the human make up, when he fails to realise that the right to say no and to disagree is recognised, enshrined and respected by the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria in chapter 4, when he fails to recognise that Nigerian people have the right to disagree with government and when he fails to realise that peaceful protestation is a universally protected right and decides to allege that those who are behind the protest still in the mill are the Obidients, the IPOB people and if you like, sponsored, machinated and manipulated by Peter Gregory Obi, it shows the fact that he loves half truths and falsehood.”
Nwokobia emphasised that opposition is a crucial aspect of patriotism, and criticising the government does not equate to inciting anarchy. He highlighted that the current generation, particularly the Gen Z population, is reacting to genuine grievances such as inflation, unemployment, and poor living conditions and called for the government to understand these issues and engage in constructive dialogue rather than labeling peaceful protests as attempts to cause chaos.
He said, “If Bayo Onanuga understands what this Gen Z generation is facing, when he understands that this Gen Z generation is aware of what goes on around government…, when he understands that the challenge facing the Nigerian people is beyond partisanship, he would write nicely and seek to create a better environment for negotiation, and perhaps dialogue with those who are aggrieved.”
Speaking on a perceived double standard in Onanuga’s stance owing to the fact that the presidential aide drummed support for protests against former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012, Nwokobia suggested that Onanuga’s current position may be influenced by his proximity to power.
He said, “A lot has changed. He has his hands now perhaps in the cookie jar or very close to the cookie jar. Perhaps he must sing the praise of his masters. A lot has changed because when people put egocentric interest over and above popular interest, they begin to talk from two sides of the mouth. In 2012 when we marched out at Ojota against the fuel price increase by the then president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, even our dear president was absolutely in support materially and morally of that protest. Bayo Onanuga and co, hailed our action. About 11 days of protestation against Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. They saluted it.
“Now, Nigeria is worse than it was then. That’s the truth. Even the president admitted that in his last broadcast. But he said, the process of changing a nation is not an easy one. He tried to gaslight the masses of our people. The truth is, he’s looking a different way. Those who are planning this protest are everywhere across the country. They are the young people who are traumatised by pain, hunger and disease. They are those affected directly.”
Nwokobia therefore urged for the president to “stop provoking the Nigerian young people” and instead show support to the youth to ensure that the protest is carried out peacefully.
“I want to say that Mr. President understands the anatomy of protest and protestation so he should call his spokespersons to order. They should stop provoking the Nigerian young people. They should stop creating division because hunger is indiscriminate. Hunger is indiscriminate of religion or region. Hunger is indiscriminate of the tendencies that they want to whip up. It’s not about IPOB, it’s not about Obidients, it’s not about Peter Gregory Obi, it’s about a generation that wants their nation to work.
“Let the Gen Z generation be peaceful about their protestation because the truth is, no matter how much the system tries to gaslight them, no matter how much youth groups and organisations that are paid to discountenance and distance themselves from the planned protest, no matter how badly the system works propaganda against the protest, it is their right and let me assure you that this generation will protest. What is important is for the government and spokespersons of the government to reach out to them. What is important for Mr. President and security agencies to reach out to them and ensure that the protestation is peaceful.“
Melissa Enoch
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