The Labor Party has strongly denied allegations from the Nigerian presidency that its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his supporters are behind the planned nationwide anti-government protest on August 1. The presidency described the protests, promoted under hashtags like #TinubuMustGo and #Revolution2024, as treasonable.
Presidential Adviser Points Fingers
In a detailed tweet, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, accused Obi and his supporters of spreading these hashtags. He stated, “If they understand the meaning of their hashtags, they will realize they are clarion calls for treason. Wanting to end an elected government is high treason.”
Onanuga linked the planned protests to the #EndSARS protests of 2020, which turned violent. He accused the same group of instigating the current protest plans and suggested a Save-Nigeria-Rally from August 1-15 in response.
Onanuga also named individuals he claimed were behind the protests, recommending the arrest of Babatunde Gbadamosi and highlighting anonymous organizers on social media.
Labor Party and Obi Respond
The Labor Party has refuted the claims, emphasizing their commitment to peaceful conduct. National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh said, “It is just the figment of the author’s imagination. Labor Party is known for being a very peaceful party.”
Peter Obi’s campaign spokesman, Yunusa Tanko, also dismissed the allegations. “This thing concerns every Nigerian. We are talking about hardship that is meted out to Nigerians by this government. Is it Obi visiting their families to tell them about the rising cost of foodstuffs?” Tanko said.
APC Warns Against Violent Protest
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) warned that organizing demonstrations to push for a change of government is a treasonable act. APC’s National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, stressed that while protests are legitimate, they must be peaceful and orderly.
“Anything that is done to destroy order in a country is akin to treason,” Ibrahim stated, urging protesters to remain within constitutional boundaries.
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) called on the presidency to provide evidence to support its claims. NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, said, “If they have evidence to back their claims, they should make it known.”
Civil society organizations have also supported the right to protest. Abiodun Bamigboye, Secretary of the Joint Action Front, emphasized that Nigerians are protesting to express dissatisfaction with the current situation. Prince Nze of the Human Rights and Justice Group International urged the government to listen to its citizens.
The controversy surrounding the planned protests highlights the rising tensions in Nigeria over economic hardship and governance issues. As August 1 approaches, the nation watches closely to see how events will unfold.
Source: Punch
