In a recent development that has captured the attention of many Nigerians, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government against arresting the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Gregory Obi. This warning comes amidst allegations that Obi is sponsoring a planned nationwide protest by aggrieved Nigerians.
Lawal’s Strong Support for Obi
Babachir Lawal, who was a significant supporter of Obi during the 2023 presidential election, emphasized that arresting Obi could lead to severe consequences for the Federal Government. In his conversation with newsmen, Lawal debunked the claims made by President Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, who alleged that the protest, tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, was being orchestrated by Obi and the Obidient Movement.
A Warning Against Using Force
Lawal cautioned the government against using force to suppress the protesters, highlighting the potential for chaos if such an approach is taken. “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,” he stated.
Criticism of Bayo Onanuga
In a direct criticism of Bayo Onanuga, Lawal urged President Tinubu to remove him from his position, arguing that Onanuga’s statements are inflammatory and counterproductive. “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,” Lawal asserted.
Defending Peter Obi
Lawal also defended Peter Obi, describing him as a person of character who would not engage in activities that could destabilize the government. “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,” Lawal said.
Potential Consequences of Arresting Obi
Lawal warned that arresting Obi would have dire repercussions, suggesting that such a move would backfire on the government. “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,” he remarked.
Addressing Ethnic Tensions
In his statements, Lawal also touched on the broader issue of ethnic tensions, particularly addressing Onanuga’s perceived disdain for the Igbo community. He emphasized the positive contributions of Igbos to Nigerian society and urged for unity. “I really don’t know what Onanuga’s problem with Igbos is. Igbos are good people. They are our classmates from primary, secondary schools to university. They are our business partners; they are our neighbors,” Lawal said.
A Call for Better Leadership
Lawal concluded his remarks by calling for better leadership around President Tinubu, stressing that the President is a good man but is surrounded by sycophants who do not tell him the truth. “Tinubu is a good man, but he is surrounded by sycophants like Onanuga who will not tell him the truth,” he stated.
Conclusion
As the situation unfolds, Babachir Lawal’s warnings and criticisms have sparked significant discussion. His defense of Peter Obi and his call for restraint in handling the planned protests reflect broader concerns about governance and unity in Nigeria. The Federal Government’s response to these warnings and the planned protests will be crucial in shaping the country’s political landscape in the coming months.
In this delicate time, the call for peaceful dialogue and responsible leadership becomes even more critical. The nation’s eyes are on the government, hoping for a resolution that respects the rights of all citizens while maintaining national stability.
