Obidient movement warns Onanuga over threat to Obi

DDM News

The Obidient Movement has warned Bayo Onanuga against issuing threats to Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The group supported Obi in the 2023 general elections and remains vocal about governance issues under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Onanuga, a media aide to President Tinubu, warned Obi to “watch his mouth” in a post on X.

Obi made comments at a colloquium marking the 60th birthday of former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) he stated that democracy in Nigeria had collapsed under President Tinubu’s leadership.

Onanuga reacted to Obi’s statement, cautioning him against making such remarks about the government.

The Obidient Movement saw Onanuga’s response as a threat to silence opposing views.

The group’s Director of Strategic Communications and Media, Nana Kazaure, issued a statement condemning Onanuga’s remarks.

Kazaure described Onanuga’s words as reckless and demanded clarification on what would happen if Obi continued speaking out.

Since the 2023 elections, tensions between Obi’s supporters and the ruling APC have remained high.

Obi emerged as a strong opposition figure, challenging the APC and PDP with his campaign message of good governance.

His supporters, known as the Obidient Movement, have continued to highlight governance failures under the Tinubu administration.

Onanuga has frequently responded to Obi’s remarks, often dismissing them as misleading or inciting.

The latest clash occurred after Obi criticized Nigeria’s democratic decline under Tinubu’s leadership.

Onanuga’s warning to Obi sparked outrage among the Obidient Movement.

The group views the statement as an attempt to intimidate and suppress political opposition.

Obidient movement’s response

The Obidient Movement strongly condemned Onanuga’s comments, describing them as undemocratic and intolerant.

The group stated that Onanuga’s warning lacked decorum and reflected an administration hostile to free speech.

Kazaure questioned Onanuga’s intent, asking what he planned to do if Obi continued speaking his mind.

She accused the Tinubu administration of prioritizing silencing critics over addressing national challenges.

She argued that if the government focused on governance rather than propaganda, Nigeria would be in a better state.

“If the government invested effort in solving problems rather than suppressing dissent, Nigeria would be a better place,” she said.

Concerns over threats to Obi

The Obidient Movement warned that Onanuga’s remarks should not be taken lightly.

The group noted that Onanuga had previously made divisive statements against Obi and his supporters.

They accused him of encouraging hostility against Obi, leading to electoral violence and ethnic tensions.

“The threat issued to Obi should not be ignored,” Kazaure stated.

She recalled how similar rhetoric during the 2023 elections fueled unrest across Nigeria.

She alleged that inciting words from APC officials contributed to violence, murder, and ethnic conflicts.

The group fears that such statements may encourage further hostility against Obi and his supporters.

Warning to Nigerians and the international community

The Obidient Movement alerted Nigerians and the global community about the potential dangers facing Obi.

They vowed to hold Onanuga and the Tinubu administration accountable for any harm to Obi.

“We are putting Nigerians and the international community on notice,” Kazaure said.

“If anything happens to Obi, his family, or associates, Onanuga and his allies will be responsible,” she added.

She urged democratic institutions worldwide to monitor the situation closely.

The group emphasized that democracy must allow room for diverse opinions without threats.

They argued that suppressing opposition voices weakens democratic values and promotes dictatorship.

Conclusion

The dispute between Obi’s supporters and Tinubu’s media team highlights Nigeria’s growing political tensions.

While the government claims openness to criticism, attacks on opposition figures suggest otherwise.

The Obidient Movement remains resolute in defending free speech and political opposition.

They have vowed to resist any attempt to silence Obi or his supporters.

Political observers now await Onanuga’s response to the backlash.

Whether he clarifies or reinforces his remarks remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, Nigerians continue debating the implications of the government’s approach to dissenting voices.

The controversy underscores the fragile state of democracy and governance in Nigeria today.

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