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Ex-SGF, Babachir Lawal warns Tinubu against arresting Peter Obi over planned protest

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Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government against any attempt to arrest the former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Gregory Obi. Lawal cautioned that such a move, based on allegations that Obi is behind the planned nationwide protests, would have severe consequences.

Lawal, a staunch supporter of Obi during the 2023 presidential election, dismissed the claims made by President Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, that Obi and the Obidient Movement are sponsoring the protest tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.

Speaking to journalists, Lawal emphasized that forceful action against peaceful protesters could trigger widespread chaos. “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 also criticized Onanuga’s conduct and urged President Tinubu to remove him from his position. “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 further defended Obi’s character, stating, “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.”

Highlighting the absurdity of the accusations, Lawal added, “How can you say Obi has anything to do with the protest? Even to complain, Obi will not let you accompany him.”

He warned that arresting Obi would backfire, saying, “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.”

Lawal also addressed Onanuga’s alleged bias against Igbos, emphasizing their integral role in Nigerian society. “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.”

He concluded by urging President Tinubu to heed advice from genuine advisors, not sycophants like Onanuga. “Tinubu is a good man, but he is surrounded by sycophants like Onanuga who will not tell him the truth.”