Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has warned the Federal Government against arresting Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP). Lawal said this could lead to severe consequences.
Speaking to journalists, Lawal debunked allegations by President Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, claiming that Obi and the Obidient Movement were behind the planned nationwide protests tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.
He also advised against using force on protesters, saying it could lead to chaos.
Bola Tinubu should not use a forceful approach with the protesters. They mean well for the country. If they go out to protest and there is an attempt to forcefully stop them, that will be the catalyst for chaos, he stated.
Lawal suggested that Tinubu should remove Onanuga from his position, stating that he doesn’t mean well for his government as his outbursts are inflaming Nigerians rather than pacifying them.
In his words:
I don’t know if Onanuga was the spokesman of the Motor Park Touts Association before he got his current appointment. They said he is educated, but it doesn’t show in his behaviour. He has an in-built disdain for people, and it shows in the way he talks.
I don’t expect a presidential spokesman to come out and say the planned protest is being organised by Peter Obi. If Obi had the character that Onanuga is ascribing to him, this government would have been down a long time ago.
“How can you say Obi has anything to do with the protest? Even to complain, Obi will not let you accompany him.”
Let them arrest him if that is their plan and see the consequences. I know that is what Onanuga is working towards. Anyone asking Tinubu to arrest Peter Obi doesn’t mean well for him. It is like they took cyanide with their own hands and swallowed it, Lawal warned.
Read: Afenifere Declares Support For #EndBadGovernance Protesters