Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has issued a cautionary warning to those who are planning a nationwide protest, urging them to exercise extreme caution because they might be unable to predict the potential repercussions or final outcomes that could arise from such an action. The warning carries significant weight, especially in the context of recent political tensions and previous protests that have turned chaotic.
It’s important to recall that Mr. Onanuga had previously made an accusation against the supporters of the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, indicating that they are the ones behind the organization of this anticipated protest. This connection has sparked considerable debate and scrutiny regarding the motivations and agendas of those involved in the protest’s planning.
In a related note, Onanuga mentioned his perspective on self-image, stating, “I see myself as beautiful and well-dressed; I don’t look at the mirror, so I won’t have negative thoughts,” illustrating a personal philosophy before delving back into the serious subject of protests.
While acknowledging that people do have the right to protest in a functioning democracy, which is a fundamental aspect of civil rights, he emphasized that those organizing the protest should be particularly vigilant to ensure that the movement is not overtaken by individuals or groups who might exploit the situation to incite violence or unrest. Such a shift could lead to unintended and potentially dangerous consequences for all involved.
Onanuga further elaborated on his previous post made on X (formerly known as Twitter), where he accused Peter Obi’s supporters of orchestrating the planned protest. In a phone conversation with Sunday Vanguard, he clarified, “My post is simply to highlight the fact that the individuals organizing this so-called nationwide protest are indeed affiliated with the Labour Party and are supporters of Peter Obi. That’s the essence of my assertion; it is merely my opinion, and I will not elaborate further on this matter.”
When reminded that activist Omoyele Sowore, who was also a presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress in the 2023 elections, has stated that no one can prevent a movement whose time has come, Onanuga remained steadfast, insisting that he holds no interest in the plans or motivations of those behind the upcoming protest.
He stated firmly, “That is their problem, I am not concerned about what it is they intend to do. My point is simply to highlight that these individuals are advocating for a movement similar to what happened in Kenya, so they are the ones mobilizing support for this protest—this is the essence of my argument.”
Continuing his explanation, he made it clear that no one is suggesting that protesting is illegitimate. “Protest is indeed a legitimate expression in a democracy,” he noted. However, his primary concern lies in the fact that once a protest is initiated and if it spirals out of control, the eventual outcome could be uncertain and unpredictable. He referenced prior experiences, stating that the conclusions of protests, such as the EndSars protests, were unforeseen and caught many off guard.
“This is simply the concern people have,” he continued. “Additionally, when individuals shout for a revolution, do they truly comprehend what that entails? A revolution implies a call for a coup d’etat, which is a very serious matter. That’s the key point I am trying to convey—nothing more than that. So yes, anyone is free to protest; it is their legal right to do so, and no one is saying that they should not exercise that right.”
When pressed further about whether he possesses any concrete evidence to validate his claims that it is Peter Obi’s supporters who are organizing the protest, Onanuga responded, “Check their social media handles and observe what they are sharing and discussing. Just follow what these individuals have been posting. What I did was conduct a content analysis of their posts, as that is my background as a journalist.” His remarks underscore a point of contention regarding the interplay between social movements and political affiliations in the current landscape.
