The Obidient Movement has issued a scathing rebuke of the Tinubu administration, accusing it of creeping authoritarianism following a controversial remark by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. The movement condemned what it described as an attempt to silence opposition voices, particularly former presidential candidate Peter Obi, who recently criticized the government’s governance style.
The latest controversy erupted after Onanuga warned Obi to “watch his mouth” in response to the former Anambra governor’s remarks at a colloquium marking Emeka Ihedioha’s 60th birthday. At the event, Obi had decried what he called the administration’s “increasingly despotic tendencies,” prompting the sharp retort from the presidency.
In a strongly worded press release signed by its Director of Strategic Communications & Media, Nana Kazaure, the Obidient Movement described Onanuga’s statement as a “veiled threat” and questioned whether the government harbored sinister intentions against its critics. The group warned that any harm befalling Obi, his family, or associates would be directly linked to those making such statements.
“What exactly does Onanuga mean by ‘watch his mouth’?” the statement queried. “Is this a warning or a precursor to something more sinister? Nigerians and the international community must take note of the dangerous trajectory this administration is taking.”
Beyond the immediate exchange, the Obidient Movement’s statement painted a broader picture of what it sees as a deliberate effort by the Tinubu-led government to suppress free speech and opposition. The movement accused the administration of dedicating more energy to silencing dissent than addressing Nigeria’s worsening economic and security crises.
“If even a fraction of the resources spent on suppressing opposition were invested in governance, Nigeria would be in a far better place,” the statement read. “Instead, we have a government high on propaganda but low on tangible progress.”
The group also recalled past incidents of electoral violence and ethnic division allegedly fueled by the same brand of political rhetoric, warning that history must not be allowed to repeat itself.
This latest controversy comes at a time when public dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration is growing, with inflation, insecurity, and unemployment dominating national discourse. The administration, on its part, has often dismissed criticism as political propaganda, arguing that it remains committed to national progress.
However, the Obidient Movement’s warning has now raised the stakes, putting the government on notice that its critics are watching closely.
As Nigeria navigates this politically charged moment, one key question remains: Is the Tinubu administration prepared to engage in constructive dialogue, or will it double down on confrontation? The coming days may provide the answer.
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