The Obidient Movement, a political coalition that rallied behind Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in the last general election, has issued a strong warning to Bayo Onanuga, a spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu. The group cautioned Onanuga against making threats toward their principal.
The controversy erupted after Onanuga, in a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), warned Obi to “watch his mouth” following the former Anambra governor’s remarks at a colloquium marking the 60th birthday of Emeka Ihedioha, ex-governor of Imo State. Obi had criticized the current administration, stating that democracy in Nigeria had crumbled under Tinubu’s leadership.
Reacting to Onanuga’s statement, Nana Kazaure, the Director of Strategic Communications & Media for the Obidient Movement, accused the presidential spokesperson of attempting to stifle free speech.
In a press release, the group condemned what they described as an “uncouth threat” from Onanuga, labeling him a figure notorious for fueling intolerance and division.
The statement read in part:
“Having taken note of Mr. Onanuga’s threat, we ask him the question: ‘watch his mouth… or what?’ What exactly does Onanuga intend for H.E. Peter Obi? Or more directly, what sinister plans does the Tinubu administration have for its critics, critics whose numbers grow daily due to the administration’s blatant ineptitude and failure to deliver quality governance?”
The movement further criticized the Tinubu-led government for prioritizing political intimidation over governance.
“If only this administration invested a fraction of the energy it spends on silencing dissent and weaponizing propaganda, Nigeria would be a much better place to live in. Sadly, we are saddled with a government that talks big but delivers little ffering nothing but hardship, confusion, and empty rhetoric.”
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The Obidient Movement also warned that Onanuga’s remarks should not be taken lightly, pointing out his history of inciting hostility toward Peter Obi.
They recalled that inflammatory rhetoric from APC officials, including Onanuga, played a role in the violence, ethnic tensions, and unrest witnessed during the 2023 elections.
“As Nigerians battle the economic and security crises caused by a decade of APC misrule, one would expect figures like Onanuga to reflect on their role in bringing a once-thriving nation to its knees. Instead, they double down on their reckless threats.
Let it be known should any harm come to H.E. Peter Obi, his family, or his associates, those responsible for this toxic rhetoric will be held fully accountable, both locally and internationally.”
With this emphatic response, the Obidient Movement has put the Tinubu administration and its allies on notice, making it clear that any attempts to silence opposition voices will not go unchallenged.