Peter Obi supports Obidigbo’s call for Tinubu to restrain Onanuga, cautioning that his unchecked actions could harm the nation’s stability.
Dr Chike Obidigbo, an esteemed statesman, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevent his aide Bayo Onanuga from making impulsive public remarks that may harm Nigeria.
Obidigbo expressed remorse over the fact that the President’s Special Assistant on Media and Strategy was engaging in incendiary language and hateful rhetoric, which not only threatened Nigeria’s fragile national unity but could also spark unnecessary conflicts.
Onanuga’s recent statement alleging the responsibility of Peter Obi and his supporters, or “Obidients,” in organizing a national protest against bad governance has been denounced by the industrialist. The Labour Party (LP) 2023 Presidential candidate was unfairly targeted according to this criticism.
On Sunday, Obidigbo expressed concern in a press release about the hateful and divisive statements continuously made by presidential aide Onanuga despite his media expertise and understanding of Nigeria’s turbulent political past.
Onanuga’s contribution during the military regime in Nigeria, when the press had to resort to unconventional tactics to expose oppressive governance, has left an indelible mark. However, now benefiting from democracy and experiences witnessed firsthand as a veteran journalist have emboldened him.
Onanuga has developed a tendency to belittle Nigerians in a manner akin to that of leading military dictators. Rather than retracting poorly thought-out messages, he frequently utters remarks characterized by intense resentment and spiteful undertones.
Obidigbo criticized Onanuga for making senseless remarks that are not suitable for a presidential aide regarding his recent endeavor to associate the ex-Governor of Anambra State with the nationwide demonstration initiated by young people. Obidigbo warned Onanuga about how, once he triggers serious consequences, no one’s wellbeing will be secured from its impacts.
He lamented that while numerous multinational business organizations were abandoning the country due to volatile economic indicators, individuals like Onanuga found it appropriate to boast about the recent presidential election.
According to Obidigbo, Nigerian leaders such as Onanuga should acknowledge the difficult situation Nigeria currently faces and display empathy towards its citizens. The masses are enduring unbearable difficulties due to insecurity, increasing food prices, and other challenges associated with living costs.
Deep down, Bayo Onanuga acknowledges that Mr Peter Obi has displayed exemplary conduct and character while remaining dedicated to addressing economic development concerns, particularly in alleviating widespread poverty and extending support to the most impoverished individuals.
Throughout the election campaign, Mr Peter displayed eloquence in his public discourse and messaging. He refrained from succumbing to provocations or engaging in divisive rhetoric that plagues Nigeria’s politics of partisanism.
However, Onanuga’s insinuations aimed at inciting hate against the Igbo community are not overlooked by sensible Nigerians. This is not his first unethical attempt to promote prejudice and ethnic division. Therefore, it is imperative that President Tinubu takes action unless negative rhetoric towards the Igbo people forms a fundamental aspect of presidential communication.
According to Obidigbo, despite efforts aimed at marginalizing the Igbo people through nepotism and ethnic discrimination, Nigeria is currently facing numerous socio-economic issues that are more pressing. He went on to assert that once equity and justice become central pillars of national reconciliation in Nigeria, only then can true healing begin for the nation as a whole.
He cautioned that while denying Igbo individuals political offices may be justifiable, attempting to ruin their reputation and relying on self-help could ultimately lead to a tipping point.
