Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, said Nigerians have a right to a peaceful protest and the government must not use force to break up the protesters.
He also warned against arresting any opposition politician, most especially Peter Obi whom President Bola Tinubu’s Information and Strategy adviser, Bayo Onanuga had accused of sponsoring the planned protests.
“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.”
“Tinubu should remove Bayo Onanuga from his position because he doesn’t mean well for his government. His outbursts are inflaming Nigerians rather than pacifying them. When you are in government, you don’t insult the people.”
“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 behavior. 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 organized 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.”
ABUJA, NIGERIA - AUGUST 2: People gather to protest against the increase in fuel prices and the cost of living in the country after Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announces that he removes the subsidies on petroleum products in Abuja, Nigeria on August 2, 2023. (Photo by Adam Abu-bashal/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)