According to Daily Post, Elder statesman Dr. Chike Obidigbo has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to restrain his aide, Bayo Onanuga, from making inflammatory public statements. According to Obidigbo, Onanuga’s comments risk undermining Nigeria’s already fragile national unity. This call for action highlights concerns about the potential repercussions of divisive rhetoric emanating from high-profile government officials.
Dr. Obidigbo expressed deep regret over Onanuga’s recent statements, describing them as inciting and provocative. He emphasized that such remarks not only threaten to further erode national cohesion but also have the potential to incite unnecessary conflict within the country. Obidigbo’s concerns reflect a broader anxiety about the stability and unity of Nigeria in the face of inflammatory public discourse.
In his condemnation, Obidigbo specifically pointed to Onanuga’s comments blaming Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and his supporters, known as the Obidients, for planned national protests against bad governance. This accusation, according to Obidigbo, is particularly damaging given the already tense political climate in Nigeria. By targeting a specific group for the nation’s unrest, Onanuga’s statements are seen as deepening divisions rather than promoting reconciliation and unity.
Dr. Obidigbo further criticized Onanuga for his continued use of hate speech despite his extensive experience in media practice and his knowledge of Nigeria’s troubled political history. Obidigbo lamented that someone in Onanuga’s position, with a significant influence on public opinion, would persist in making statements that could inflame ethnic tensions. He called for a more responsible approach to communication from those in positions of power.
He said: “During the electioneering, Mr Peter was elegant in his public communication and campaign messaging. He resisted provocations and attempts to be drawn to divisive rhetoric that bedevilled Nigeria’s partisan politics.
“But, Onanuga’s attempt to single out Igbo for hate by his dangerous innuendo is not lost on well-meaning Nigerians. This is not the first time the veteran journalist should descend so low to promote bigotry and ethnic baiting against the Igbo. And it is high time President Tinubu calls him to order unless Igbo bashing is at the core of the presidential communication….Viêw _More
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