The pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, for his remarks linking the proposed “hunger protest” to the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi.

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Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on Onanuga to focus his efforts on addressing the severe hunger and hardship currently affecting the country.

Speaking at a press conference in Awka, Anambra State, on Tuesday, the Vice-president of Ohanaeze Worldwide, Damian Okeke-Ogene, condemned Onanuga’s comments and deemed them baseless and inappropriate.

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Okeke-Ogene rebuked Onanuga for suggesting that Obi should be held responsible for any crisis resulting from the planned hunger/hardship protest scheduled for August 1-10, 2024, across Nigeria.

He stated, “Onanuga should concentrate on finding solutions to the suffering of Nigerians rather than casting baseless accusations at an innocent individual.

His remarks accusing Obi of inciting mayhem in the country are highly reprehensible.

“It is imperative for the President to caution Mr. Onanuga about his reckless statements against Peter Obi. Instead of making such accusations, Onanuga should leverage his position as the presidential spokesman to work towards making Nigeria a better place for all citizens, regardless of tribe, ethnicity, or religious affiliations.”

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Okeke-Ogene also advised Igbos living in other parts of the country to prioritize the protection of their properties rather than participating in the forthcoming planned nationwide protest.

Additionally, he appealed to President Tinubu to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who remains in detention despite court rulings ordering his release.

He expressed concern over Kanu’s continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) and urged the President to ensure compliance with the court’s decisions.

Efe Stewart, the former Commissioner for Communication and Orientation in Edo State, refuted claims on Tuesday that he was involved in the political violence that occurred last Thursday.

The convoy of Philip Shaibu, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, and Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, was attacked by gunmen, resulting in the death of Inspector Akor Onuh, a police officer.

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The incident has exacerbated tensions between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC in Edo State, with both parties calling for an investigation and accusing each other of orchestrating the violence.

Stewart, who transitioned from the PDP to the APC after initially joining the PDP with Governor Godwin Obaseki in 2020, was among those accused by the PDP and the state government of involvement in the attack.

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In a press briefing in Benin, the state capital, Stewart stated that the accusations were part of a deliberate attempt by the state government to tarnish his reputation and political career following his defection to the APC.

Stewart explained that he left the PDP due to irreconcilable differences and after contributing significant resources and effort to the party.

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Despite having served in the Obaseki administration, he remains dedicated to promoting good governance in Edo State.

He elaborated that his departure from the PDP was due to the party’s failure to manage internal conflicts and curb the actions of selfish politicians within his local government area of Egor.

“I want to inform Edo residents that I was not involved in last Thursday’s political violence that led to the death of a police officer,” Stewart said.

“I left the PDP when it became clear that I could not work with the individual leading the PDP activities in my local government in Egor.”

Stewart urged the public to disregard the state government’s allegations linking him to the violence, emphasizing that he has severed all ties with the PDP and its affiliates.

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He criticized the PDP for causing unrest in the state instead of focusing on the upcoming September governorship election.

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communication and Strategy, demanding an apology for alleging Obi’s involvement in a planned nationwide protest.

Obi has threatened to file a defamation lawsuit if Onanuga fails to comply.

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Through his counsel, Alex Ejesieme, Obi demanded that the apology be published in four national newspapers—Vanguard, THISDAY, Punch, and The Cable—as well as on Onanuga’s verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @aonanuga1956.

This demand follows Onanuga’s July 20, 2024, claim that Obi’s supporters were planning to incite violence in Nigeria, linking Obi to potential anarchy.

Ejesieme described the allegation as a “calculated plot” to damage Obi’s reputation and cause significant emotional distress.

He emphasized that the false claim has gone viral on social and mainstream media, maligning Obi’s well-earned reputation.

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In the letter, Obi’s counsel stated, “The said statements are in every sense malicious and convey with them the potentiality of ostracizing our client by well-meaning citizens of Nigeria. Our client is an elder statesman, a diplomat, and an unwavering democrat who has always conducted his affairs in accordance with Nigerian law.”

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The letter highlighted Obi’s commitment to non-violence and his history of law-abiding and constructive engagement.

It pointed out that Obi has consistently urged his supporters to follow the rule of law and avoid actions that could lead to disorder.

The counsel further noted that Obi has voiced his criticisms through constructive and lawful means, without malice.

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“Our client’s conviction is that the publication was a calculated plot to demean, ridicule, humiliate, and embarrass him by the estimation of every right-thinking member of society. It appears you have achieved your insipid motive, as well-wishers from all around the globe have inundated him with calls to register their shock,” the letter continued.

The letter also stated that the defamatory publication has caused serious emotional injury to Obi, despite his reputation as ‘Okwute’ (the Rock), due to his decades of service in both private and public life.

Obi demands a retraction of the defamatory statements and an unreserved apology within 72 hours, along with monetary damages of ₦5 billion.

The letter warns, “Take Notice that in the event of your failure to meet the demands set out above, our client shall be constrained to approach a court of competent jurisdiction and take legal action against you for defamation and libel.”

The letter concludes by expressing the hope for a prompt response and the assurance of the highest esteem from Obi’s legal team.

Governor Alex Otti has asserted that the majority of Abians recognize the positive shift in leadership under his administration.

During the inauguration of the new Acting Chairman of the Labour Party in Abia State, Otti emphasized that his team has outperformed their predecessors.

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“Some individuals may try to suggest that we are no different from those we replaced, but 95% of the people understand that leadership in Abia State has been redefined,” Otti stated. “Once people experience good leadership, they never want to revert to the past.”

Acknowledging opposition criticism as an inherent aspect of democracy, Otti encouraged Labour Party members to remain focused and undeterred by such distractions.

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He reiterated his administration’s dedication to good governance and expressed confidence in the Labour Party’s prospects in the upcoming Local Government elections.

“We are not going to be distracted. We must continue to do what we are known for; we are the Labour Party,” he said.

Despite being in power for only 14 months, Otti highlighted his administration’s achievements and promised more significant developments in the future.

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“The Bible records that when the righteous are in power, the people rejoice. The modest efforts we have made have been appreciated by the people. In the next year, you will witness unprecedented progress in this state.”

Otti urged the newly inaugurated State Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Otti, to lead with integrity and fairness.

He expressed confidence in the new chairman’s ability to uphold these values and commended the Labour Party members for their unwavering commitment since 2022.

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“According to the party’s Constitution, Hon. Emmanuel Nweze Otti has been selected as the acting State Chairman, and Prince G.O. Ndubueze as the Deputy Chairman South until Congresses next year. I congratulate you and charge you to do good to all men without discrimination.”

In his acceptance speech, Hon. Emmanuel Otti pledged to be inclusive in his leadership and called for the continued support of party members, especially with the approaching local government elections.

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He thanked the Governor, party members, supporters, and stakeholders for their dedication to repositioning Abia State.

“The Labour Party has distinguished itself as a model political group across the 36 states of the federation,” Hon. Otti noted, urging full participation in all party activities to ensure continued success.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the Federal Government’s efforts to prevent the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate in the last election expressed his dismay, highlighting the irony that those who led protests against former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in 2012 are now attempting to suppress the rights of others to protest.

The planned protest, organized by some youths, aims to draw attention to the increasing hunger and economic hardship across the country.

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The organizers have declared that “this hunger is too much,” calling for a 10-day demonstration to pressurize both federal and state governments to address the dire situation.

In a statement on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, Atiku emphasized that the right to protest is constitutionally guaranteed and that the government’s role should be to provide a safe and secure environment for such peaceful expressions.

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Atiku said, “For the avoidance of doubt, the rights of citizens to protest are enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and affirmed by our courts. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered) unequivocally guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association.

“Chasing shadows and contriving purported persons behind the planned protests is an exercise in futility when it is obvious that Nigerians, including supporters of Tinubu and the ruling APC, are caught up in the hunger, anger, and hopelessness brought about by the incompetence and cluelessness of this government.”

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He further noted the irony of the current administration’s stance, “It is deeply ironic that those who now seek to stifle these rights were themselves leading protests in 2012. A responsible government must ensure a safe and secure environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to peaceful protest.”

“Any attempt to suppress these rights is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to our democracy,” Atiku concluded.