The Obidient Movement has condemned what it describes as the Tinubu administration’s increasing descent into dictatorship, citing a veiled threat issued to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s spokesman.
According to BusinessDay, in a statement issued on Tuesday, the group criticised the administration’s response to Obi’s recent comments at a colloquium marking the 60th birthday of former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Emeka Ihedioha. At the event, Obi had warned against what he called the growing despotic tendencies of the current administration.
The movement accused Onanuga of attempting to stifle free speech after the spokesman dismissed Obi as a “disgruntled politician” and warned him to “watch his mouth.” The group questioned the implications of this warning, asking, “Watch his mouth… or what? What exactly are Onanuga’s plans for H.E. Peter Obi?”
“We take serious exception to the uncouth threat by this choleric presidential spokesman whose antecedents as an instigator of intolerance and division is well known, recorded, and documented,” the statement added.
The movement also alleged that the administration prioritises silencing critics over addressing governance failures.
“If the Tinubu administration had invested a quarter of the energy and resources it expends in hounding and demonizing varying opinions through its intemperate spokespersons and numerous cyber Rottweilers, Nigeria would be a far more decent and conducive place to live in,” it stated.
Furthermore, the Obidient Movement warned that any harm that befalls Obi or his associates would be blamed on those issuing threats.
“We are therefore putting Nigerians and the international community on strong notice that should any harm of any sort befall H.E. Peter Obi, his family or any of his associates, these culprits who have clearly identified themselves by their vitriolic speech, will be held entirely responsible,” said Nana Kazaure, director of Strategic Communications & Media for the group.
