Tension as Peter Obi Threatens Tinubu's Aide, Bayo Onanuga, Reason Emerges

• Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has threatened President Bola Tinubu's media aide, Bayo Onanuga, with a lawsuit
• The former governor of Anambra state issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the presidential aide to make a public apology or face a defamation suit
• Obi's counsel, Alex Ejesieme, said Onanuga's statement that Obi was behind the planned hunger protest against Tinubu's administration was defamatory

Peter Obi, former Anambra state governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, has given Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu, a 72-hour ultimatum to apologise for linking him to a planned nationwide protest.

Obi's counsel, Alex Ejesieme, demanded a public apology in four national newspapers and Onanuga's social media handle, threatening a defamation libel lawsuit if the ultimatum is not met.

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Why Obi threatened Tinubu's aide

According to The Punch, Onanuga had alleged that Obi's supporters were planning mayhem in Nigeria.

Reacting, Obi's counsel described the allegation as a "calculated plot" to demean and embarrass his client, emphasising Obi's law-abiding and constructive engagement record.

The counsel stressed that Obi abhors violence and has always resorted to legal mechanisms to address grievances, urging his supporters to abide by the rule of law.

Obi expresses commitment to democracy

Obi's counsel highlighted his client's commitment to democratic principles and constructive criticism without malice or resentment.

The letter emphasized that Obi has expressed dissatisfaction with certain policies through constructive criticism without associating himself with protests.

Obi's counsel reiterated the demand for an apology and warned of legal action if the ultimatum was not met to protect his client's reputation and clear his name.

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Protest: Ndume asks Tinubu to address youths

Legit.ng earlier reported that Ali Ndume, the Borno South senator recently impeached as the chief whip of the senate for speaking against Tinubu, called on the president to address the youths' anger.

Ndume made the call while reacting to the trending planned hunger protests by some Nigerians over the country's current economic hardship.

The lawmaker expressed concerns that the protest leaders were unknown, making it difficult for the government to identify whom to contact for negotiations.

Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng