In the wake of growing hardship in the country and calls for a nationwide protest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Federal Government yesterday pleaded with Nigerians for more time, promising to handle the protest as a ‘’family matter.”
It also pledged to resolve all issues in a manner that will ensure the peace and stability of the nation.
The government’s position came on a day South-East governors advised aggrieved Nigerians not to go ahead with the nationwide protests, saying the country was too tense for such protests.
This is even as the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, asked both the federal and state governments to listen to the cries of the people and warned against the use of brute force to suppress the protest.
Similarly, the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives called on the Federal Government to dialogue with planned protesters to address their concerns, while human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN, warned the government against threatening organisers of the planned protests.
‘Family matter’
Speaking after a meeting of members of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, at the instance of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, yesterday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said in a brief interview: “We came together to discuss. You can see that this is not happening at the council chambers, it is happening in the office of the SGF and many of the ministers are here.
“We have discussed issues of national interest and all of us are working for Nigeria and we hope and believe Nigeria is going to be great again.
“No one is going to sleep. Those who are agitating and asking for protests are Nigerians, they are our brothers, they are our sisters, they are all Nigerians and those in positions of authority – the ministers, the President, everybody, we are all Nigerians too.
“So, this is a family matter. This is a Nigerian family issue and all of us are looking at this issue very well and we hope that peace will prevail at the end of the day.”
Asked if the government had been engaging with the stakeholders and organizers of the planned protest, Idris said engagement had always been an ongoing thing.
“This is not a peculiar situation, engagement has been ongoing. The President has met severally with all key stakeholders. I have also been meeting with stakeholders, other government functionaries have also been meeting with other key stakeholders.
“Engagement is going to continue and in the interest of Nigeria, we will continue to engage. We know this is the only country that all of us have and at the end of the day, Nigeria is going to be better for all of us for it,” he stated.
On alleged insistence by some top Nigerians, including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Femi Falana, that the protests must go on, Idris said the senior lawyer is entitled to his opinion in a democracy.
“He (Falana) is an individual. This is a democracy, everyone is entitled to his opinion. The protesters are also Nigerians, this is a democratic situation. What I keep saying is that we are all Nigerians and we are all acting in the interest of Nigeria, but suffice to say that yesterday, (Tuesday) Mr President said there is no need for any protest, let us calm down.
“A lot is happening, Nigeria is going to move and march on and we believe that whatever government comes out with will be in the interest of Nigeria. We don’t think there is need for any protest, we are appealing for calm, we are appealing for a peaceful resolution or peaceful approach to any issue.
“If you have anything you want to put out there, you are free to put it out there but government is insisting that we are all Nigerians, we have to be calm, we have to be patient and suffice it to say let us give peace a chance.
“Mr President is working round the clock, his ministers are working, everyone is working, all hands are on deck.
“Like I said yesterday (Tuesday), everyone is listening; we are all listening, the President is listening and he has a message for all Nigerians. That message is that they should all calm down, they should please give the man more time. Everything they asked for, all their pleas will be answered,” he added.
Some of the ministers who attended the meeting include Nyesom Wike (FCT); Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs); Zephaniah Jisalo (Special Duties); Tahir Mamman (Education); and Abubakar Bagudu (Budget and Planning).
Others are Wale Edun (Finance); Mohammed Idris (Information); Bello Matawalle (Defence); David Umahi (Works); and the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, among others.
Eni says it has received regulatory approval from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for the sale of Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC Ltd) to Oando Plc.
In a statement on Wednesday, Eni said it has received formal consent to finalise the deal.
In September 2023, Oando announced plans to acquire the NAOC, but the deal was delayed due to regulatory approvals required.
On July 3, the NUPRC announced that Oando had completed the acquisition of 100 percent shares of Eni in its subsidiary, NAOC, adding that an announcement was imminent.
Confirming this in the statement, the Italian oil company said it has obtained all other relevant local and regulatory authorities’ authorisations.
“Having already obtained all other relevant local and regulatory authorities’ authorizations, this achievement will allow Eni to proceed to the completion of the transaction for the sale of Nigerian Agip Oil Company Ltd (NAOC Ltd), Eni’s wholly owned subsidiary focusing on onshore oil & gas exploration and production as well as power generation in Nigeria, to Oando PLC, Nigeria’s leading national energy solutions provider, listed on both the Nigerian and Johannesburg Stock Exchange,” the statement reads.
“NAOC Ltd participating interest in SPDC JV (Shell Production Development Company Joint Venture – operator Shell 30%, TotalEnergies 10%, NAOC 5%, NNPC 55%) is not included in the perimeter of the transaction and will be retained in Eni’s portfolio.
“Eni remains committed to the country through investments in deepwater projects and Nigeria LNG.”
The company also said it is developing plans for economic diversification in the country.
This, according to Eni, includes assessing the potential production of agri-feedstock for Enilive biorefineries and various nature- and technology-based projects, such as clean cooking initiatives, to offset emissions.
The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA), Arewa Think Tank (ATT), and Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (ABMF) have backed out of the planned nationwide protest.
In a communiqué read by Muhammad Yakubu, convener of ATT, on Wednesday after a meeting in Kaduna, the groups denounced the protest as “counterproductive” and could lead to violence and the loss of lives.
“We, the youth of the Arewa Youth Assembly, remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, advocating for youth development, and promoting peace and progress in our nation,” the communiqué reads.
“We call on all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the private sector, to join hands with us in achieving these goals.
“We, the youth, firmly resolve to embrace entrepreneurship as a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty and foster wealth creation in Nigeria.
“We recognise that by developing our entrepreneurial skills and knowledge, we can become self-sustainable and reduce dependence on the government for employment opportunities.”
The groups called on the government to implement measures aimed at developing the knowledge and skills of the youths.
They also said the government should prioritise youth development and empowerment as a matter of urgency, both at the national and sub-national levels.
“We urge the federal government to address the prevailing issues of banditry and insurgency effectively by ensuring security and stability,“ the groups added.
“The youth can actively engage in the agricultural sector, which has significant potential for business opportunities and economic growth.
“It is imperative for young people to equip themselves with the necessary tools and adapt to the rapidly evolving global landscape.”
Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have appealed to youths to refrain from joining the planned nationwide protest.
The governors spoke on Wednesday night after a meeting that lasted over two hours in Abuja.
There have been reports that youths are planning a nationwide protest between August 1 and 15 against the rising cost of living and economic hardship in the country.
Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo and chairman of the APC Governors Forum, said the federal government is doing everything possible to address the economic hardship in the country.
“Among other things, we are very committed to the support we have given to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our president and the leader of our party,” Uzodimma, who was flanked by his colleagues, said.
“And the support of all his economic policies and the reforms he has embarked on.
“We took the opportunity also to agree to explain to the larger Nigerians that this government is doing well.
“We have looked at the various policies of this government, and we acknowledge a teething problem associated with the initial stage of the programme and agree that because we are very hopeful, it is also the solution to the current problem and economic hardship that have befallen our country, and in a very short time, we are confident that the situation would be restored. Prosperity would come at the end of the day.
“We use this opportunity to advise our young boys and girls, young men and women, to desist from being instigated into causing crisis or chaos in the country.
“Already, Nigerians have suffered enough. The global economic recession, insecurity in Nigeria, political tension occasioned by instigations and campaigns of calumny by the opposition party, and social media attacks on various policies of the government.
“We want to advise for the interest of the country and a show of patriotism. Our citizens must take ownership of this country. We have no other country we can call our own.”
The governors said, “it is not wise at this moment” for youths or any group to protest in “whatever guise”.
The National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), says the federal government has resumed mass trial of terrorism suspects.
In a statement on Wednesday, Michael Abu, head of strategic communication at NCTC-ONSA, said the trial would be conducted in line with the international criminal justice system.
Abu said there are at least 300 people on trial, and the five courts and chambers set up for the prompt administration of justice are presided by five judges.
He added that lawyers from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria were representing the suspects.
“In pursuance of its commitment to promoting social justice by entrenching a transparent administrative system, the federal government has resumed mass trials of persons allegedly involved in terrorism and suspects of other heinous crimes against the Nigerian state,” the statement reads.
“The ongoing trial, which is in line with the international criminal justice system, is being administered by the federal high court of Nigeria, with the complex casework group of the office of the attorney-general of the federation, in collaboration with other critical stakeholders under the coordination and supervision of the national counter-terrorism centre, office of the National Security Adviser.
“More than 300 suspects are on trial with five reputable judges manning the five courts and chambers set up for the speedy administration of justice on the ongoing trial in terrorism and other related cases in the country.
“The trial involves multiple stakeholders, CCG prosecutors, and defence counsel from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.
“Before now, over 800 case files have been reviewed, and charges are drafted for efficient prosecution to ensure that justice is appropriately served.
“Between 2017 and 2018, the trials so far resulted in 163 convictions, 882 discharges, and five acquittals.
“Non-culpable suspects are being deradicalised and engaged in profitable ventures, and efforts to reintegrate them are being sustained.
“The NCTC-ONSA is working assiduously with relevant authorities in fulfilling its mandates and boosting the efforts of the incumbent administration towards realising good governance and a just society.”
The Federal Ministry of Education has announced a 12.7% reduction in allowances for Nigerian scholars studying abroad, including those in Russia, Morocco, and Algeria, citing economic challenges.
This decision comes after reports emerged that students on government scholarships in several countries, including China and Hungary, had gone eight months without receiving their stipends, leaving them stranded.
The students are studying under the Federal Government’s Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship.
The BEA scholarship is for the purpose of education exchange between Nigeria and the partnering countries.
The Federal Scholarship Board is supervising the scholarship under the Federal Ministry of Education.
The government’s decision to slash the scholars’ allowances was contained in a memo signed by the Director of the Federal Scholarship Board, Ndajiwo H.A., on behalf of the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.
“After due consultations, the Federal Scholarship Board has come up with adjustments in line with budgetary provisions in the payment of BEA scholar’s supplementation allowances for the 2024 academic year,” the memo, dated July 23, 2024, and addressed to the scholars’ association, read.
According to the memo, the monthly allowances were slashed from $500 to $220; the graduation allowance from $2500 to $2000; and the PG research allowance was slashed from $1,000 to $500, among others.
The total for the payments initially paid was $5,650 per student but will now be $4,370
“The Scholars’ Association is hereby notified that due to the prevailing economic situation, the payment mandate for the BEA scholars’ allowances will be as per the new adjustment.
“The balances for the years 2023 and 2024 owed to scholars will be paid as soon as the funds are made available,” the ministry said.
Recently, the President of the Union of Nigerian Students under the Federal Government-controlled Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship, Ayuba Anas, said the scholars had not been paid for close to eight months.
Anas said, “For the past six to eight months, scholars enrolled in various institutions abroad have endured financial strain due to the delay in receiving their stipends.
“In addition, from the last payments we received (March-August), there was a shortfall of practically two and a half months’ payment. Moreover, some students in China have not received any stipends since they arrived in April and May 2023.“
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has dismissed a report alleging it has withdrawn from the proposed national protests.
This is even as labour said that it stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people over the current economic hardship and worsening hunger in the country.
In a release on Wednesday by its president, Joe Ajero, NLC said it cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise.
Ajero maintained that it is only the organisers of the speculated national protest that can decide whether to pull out or continue with the protest.
“A news report of the withdrawal of the Nigeria Labour Congress from the widely discussed national protest has been brought to our attention. The Nigeria Labour Congress debunks such story as patently false.
“The truth is that the Nigeria Labour Congress cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise. It is only the organisers of the speculated national protest that can decide to pull out or continue with the protest. The Nigeria Labour Congress has internal trade union mechanisms especially leadership decision-making processes that its industrial actions such as protests pass through before such activities are undertaken.
“Yet, the fact that the Nigeria Labour Congress is not the body organising the protest does not mean that organised labour is oblivious of the dire living conditions Nigerians have been subjected to by the harsh economic policies of government. The Nigeria Labour Congress stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people in this very trying and excruciating times.
“Pursuant to proactive engagement with the issues canvassed by the protest organisers, we have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite the leaders of the protest movement to dialogue on their demands. We have advised that it would be counter- productive for government to meet the widespread anger in the land with brute force.
“Once again, we implore the Federal Government and the sub-national governments to listen to the cries of the Nigerian people and do the needful. After all, it is said that the voice of the people is the voice of God,” the statement read.
…It’s Abuse Of Power – Labour Party
…Egbetokun Cannot Benefit Retroactively – HURIWA
The decision to amend the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which the National Assembly effectively did on Tuesday is tearing the force apart as senior officers have moved against it.
Already, there are grumbles and expressions of dissent with some going as far as warning that loyalty and hard work in the face of public hostility cannot be guaranteed.
Recall the National Assembly expeditiously passed an amendment of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020 (“Principal Ac”) on Tuesday granting the Inspector General of Police a four-year tenure regardless of his age or years of service.
The executive bill as passed into law enables the person appointed as IGP to remain in office until the end of term stipulated in the letter of appointment, in pursuance of Section 7 (6) of the Police Act of 2020.
Section 7 (6) of the Police Act of 2020 states: “The person appointed to the office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for four years.”
The executive bill, however, sought that Section 18 of the Principal Act is amended by adding a new subsection (8A) – “(8A) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (8) of this section, any person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of Section 7(6) of this Act,” it said.
But Section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020, which makes direct reference to the civil service rule on retirement, states: “Every police officer shall, on recruitment or appointment, serve in the Nigeria Police Force for a period of 35 years or until he attains the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier.”
Egbetokun, who was the principal officer of President Bola Tinubu when he was governor of Lagos State, was appointed as IGP in June 2023, two years before he clocks 60 on September 4, 2024.
Now, having established a firm working relationship with the president, and would be the direct beneficiary of the law, senior officers who feel they have been denied a possible IG position are crying wolf warning loyalty and hard work would be tested.
The officers who are next in line to take over as IG if Egbetokun retires in September disapprove of the development.
“Even though not everyone can be an IG, it’s wrong. It will crash the morale,” a senior officer also qualified for the position told THE WHISTLER on condition of anonymity.
He said it’s alarming that “nepotism is creeping into a once admired force. It’s getting worse. How would the rank and file think when at the top nepotism and favouritism is being given utmost consideration?
“I think the only fair thing is if the occupant of that office is not the first beneficiary otherwise it will spell doom for the future of the force,” he warned.
Another senior officer said, “What can we say but to watch and see. It’s a terrible day because the manner and speed the whole thing was done leaves much to be desired.”
Also, a retired senior police officer who said he doesn’t want to invite the wrath of the powers that be opined that “in our days, even though we were underfunded, we tried not to give prominence to favouritism and nepotism. What everyone would be looking at is who is the president and who’s the IG and who is the first beneficiary of this law.
“I don’t think it’s a good thing, it doesn’t look well. Tongues would wag, people would be demoralised and that’s the last thing you need in the already troubled force,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chief Spokesman of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Mr Yunusa Tanko said “it’s a blatant abuse of power. If you want to even do something that is meaningful for the interest of the people, the office holder should not be a beneficiary of that particular law.
“Absolutely. If you’re doing it genuinely for the interest of the country, the person who is holding the office should be seen to be following another person, not for him to benefit from it, that is a selfish interest. That means there’s a hidden agenda.
“Nigeria is not meant for one person,” Tanko said, noting that “even the president, whether he likes it or not, one day, will leave that office.
“But the fact is that when you make the institution as solid and very, very impeccable for corrupt people, it makes the country stronger.
“So therefore, this particular bill, even if it’s meant for the interest of the people, then the office holder should not be a beneficiary.”
Similarly, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, coordinator of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria or HURIWA said in an interview with THE WHISTLER that the only sane thing the president should do is to deny the current holder of the office the benefit of the law.
Onwubiko said, “If the current IG who was appointed over almost a year ago benefits from the bill that was passed one year after coming into office, it means one day this National Assembly will perform a magic of passing a bill abrogating the death penalty and then say that all those who have been executed under the previous law that authorised death penalty should be woken up from the dead.
“It means that if they perform this magic, they can equally say one day that they have abrogated the death penalty and all those who have been executed since the 1970s, should all be woken up from the dead.
“Egbetokun cannot benefit retroactively, it would be wrong. This National Assembly continues to perform magic in the manner the lawmakers are conducting their affairs.
“The passage of this bill shows they are puppets and can do anything,” Onwubiko said.
Amid calls for protest, the Presidency has said progress comes from dialogue and not through chaos and violent dissent.
Senior Special Assistant on Digital and New Media to President Bola Tinubu, O’tega Ogra, said the federal government has put out many developmental programmes aimed at ameliorating economic hardship in the country.
Ogra said the new minimum wage bill passed on Tuesday, student loan, compressed natural gas-powered vehicles and reduction of taxes and levies on essential food commodities were some of the policies put out by President Tinubu to address economic hardship.
On his X handle on Wednesday, Ogra argued that these interventions by the federal government were enough to stop the protest planned and enable discussion.
“Minimum Wage Bill…Passed by the National Assembly less than a week after Mr President’s intervention meeting with organized Labour.
“When you add this development to the Student Loan Act (which was amended and passed just as quickly as the Minimum wage bill), the setting up of credicorp, a reduction in the number of taxes people pay, removal of levies/duties on essential food commodities, the holistic Presidential CNG Initiative (which seeks to reduce our dependence on ‘Premium’ Motor Spirit in favour of the cheaper, safer CNG which we have in abundance in Nigeria), then you will see a comprehensive, structured, and sustainable approach to providing a better life for Nigerians whilst other temporary palliative measures are being put in place.
“So that you know, Mr. President Bola Tinubu is eager to assent to the bill so workers can start enjoying this new wage structure as soon as possible,” he said.
The Digital and New Media aide to President Tinubu said the policies of the government on minimum wage, reduction in taxes and levies and CNG vehicles would increase workers’ disposable income and support their well-being.
Ogra added, “These measures will contribute to increased disposable income for workers by reducing the financial burden of tertiary education school fees as well as providing free CNG kits for commercial vehicles. Moreover, the reduction in the number of taxes for individuals/businesses and improved access to credit via Credicorp will further support workers’ well-being.
“Koko of The Matter: True progress arises from dialogue at the table, not from the chaos of violent dissent.”
Former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Professor Kingsley Moghalu, has said Nigeria’s economy only works for the rich and not for the poor citizens.
Professor Moghalu said the issue between President of Dangote Group – Aliko Dangote and Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), as it concerns Dangote Refinery, showed government’s inability to create an economy that works for the citizens.
Moghalu said unholy ties and vested interests between government and businesses were responsible for economic failures in the country.
In a statement on Wednesday, on his X handle, Moghalu said, “The NNPCL and AlikoDangote saga is a sad tale of how successive governments of Nigeria have failed to create a real economy that generates wealth for its citizens. Our economy works only for a very few who get rich while Nigerians continually get poorer.
“The economic failure of Nigeria’s leaders because of loyalties to vested interests and unholy ties between “business” and government is deeply unfortunate.
“Nigeria government is, and has been unable, to stimulate through effect economic policy a set of strategic oligopolies across sectors under which smaller businesses and supply chains thrive, making up a successful national economy as in South Korea.
“Neither has the government, on the other hand, been able to create a truly competitive, level playing field for business in Nigeria so that wealth creation can be more democratic. So it’s just failure, corruption and incompetence all around.
“Instead, we are regaled with sensational accusations on all sides when sweetheart deals go sour for reasons that actually lie outside the immediate subject of dispute.”
The President of Institute for Governance and Economic Transformation, Africa said foreign investors would interpret Nigeria’s business environment as risky because of the issues surrounding Dangote Refinery.
He added that unless patriotic leaders take over Nigeria’s leadership, the country may not make economic progress in the future.
“Meanwhile, what will investors and potential investors think of all this? That Nigeria is a truly risky business environment, that’s all. Until our more selfless and competent leaders arrive on the scene, I am afraid our country’s economy has little real prospects in the immediate future,” Moghalu added.
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The National Assembly has commenced a seven-week recess and will reconvene on September 17th, 2024.
This was announced after plenary on Wednesday.
Naija News reports both chambers of the Assembly – Senate and House of Representatives, will be on break for seven weeks which is their yearly recess.
Details later…
[NaijaNews]
Activist lawyer, Femi Falana, says no amount of threat from the government can stop the nationwide protest slated for August 1.
Recall that some organisations and even the presidency have decried the planned nationwide protests aimed at drawing the attention of the Federal Government to the perennial hardship in the country.
Falana advised the FG to identify the organisers of the protest and engage them in productive dialogue.
He gave the advice during an interview on Channels TV on Tuesday.
He noted that threatening people was counterproductive and that such move would make the protest even more popular.
He said: “They have a way of contacting themselves and I think the government can draw some lessons from that 2020 (#EndSars) experience. Identify those who are planning the protest and then engage with them productively.
“Threat will not work. In fact, the action of the government has a way of popularising such protests.
“Nobody listens to such warnings. This time around, the government should identify the leaders of the movement and have some dialogue with them. There are demands that are being raised, the government should address those demands.”
Amnesty International has cautioned President Bola Tinubu’s administration against threatening Nigerians who are planning to protest against the current hardship and hunger in the country.
The global human rights body emphasized that threatening intended peaceful protesters is unlawful, adding that Nigerians have the constitutional right to protest.
According to reports, some youths plan a nationwide protest between August 1 and 15 to express their concerns over the rising cost of living and economic hardship.
Following these reports, President Tinubu’s media aide, Dada Olusegun, warned that the intending protesters would face the strongest resistance if they protested against the Nigerian government.
In a post via X, Olusegun stated that those who gave Tinubu the mandate to rule the country would strongly resist the protest. He tweeted, “Those who want to burn the country down under whatever guise will meet the strongest resistance of their lives. Not from security agencies but from the silent majority that gave their mandate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for four years in the first instance. We are waiting.”
Amnesty International responded by stating that threatening peaceful protesters is not only unlawful but also a clear attack on freedom of assembly, as guaranteed by international law and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
“Threatening peaceful protesters is unlawful. It is a clear attack on freedom of assembly, guaranteed by international law and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. Nigerians must not be denied the constitutionally and internationally guaranteed right to peaceful protest through veiled threats of violence and false insinuations,” Amnesty International stated.
Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, has responded to the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over the threat of ₦ 5 billion defamation suit.
Recall that Peter Obi issued Onanuga a 72-hour ultimatum to apologise and pay ₦5 billion damages to him over defamation and libel or face legal action.
The demand follows Onanuga’s wild allegation, linking Peter Obi to the planned mass protest scheduled for August.
Recall that the Presidential Spokesperson had on July 20, 2024, in a post via his X handle, said, “Peter Ob’s supporters are the people planning mayhem in Nigeria and that Obi should be held responsible for anarchy.”
However, the former Governor of Anambra State, writing through his counsel, Alex Ejesieme, SAN, said that the allegation, which was widely published in social and mainstream media and read by many within and outside the country, maligned his hard-earned reputation as a man who indulges in violence when all his antecedents are vivid that he abhors violence even in the face of extreme provocation.
Peter Obi said the demeaning and scandalous publication also caused a severe emotional injury to him, given his decades of stellar stewardship in private and public life.
In response, Onanuga, in a post via his X handle on Tuesday, said he is not afraid of any legal action and is ready to meet Peter Obi in court.
He wrote, “I am still waiting for the letter from Peter Obi’s lawyer threatening a N5 billion suit and demanding an apology to Peter Obi over the planned ‘revolution’.
“Let me just tell Obi and his lawyer: I am not afraid of any legal action. We shall meet in court.”