Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga has challenged Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to take a more active role in the planned protest against hardship, rather than simply endorsing it from behind the scenes.
Onanuga made this statement in response to Obi’s public support for the protest, which he attributed to widespread hunger and hopelessness amongst youths. Onanuga argued that true leadership requires Obi to openly lead the protesters, citing the examples of President Tinubu and former President Buhari who did so in the past.
He stated, Now that Peter Obi has endorsed the planned protest, he should come out openly to lead the protesters. Not play the master puppeteer behind the scene.
Onanuga’s comments suggest that Obi should take responsibility for ensuring the protest remains peaceful and orderly.
Reacting to Obi’s approval of the protest, Onanuga via his X handle, wrote;
‘’Now that Peter Obi has come out to endorse the planned protest by his supporters, he should do what President Tinubu and former President Buhari did in the past, by coming out openly to lead the protesters. That is what leadership is about. Not playing the master puppeteer behind the scene. He should be in the forefront of the protest and help in curbing their possible excesses.”
Onanuga’s comments have sparked a debate about the role of leaders in protests and demonstrations. Some have argued that leaders should be willing to take a stand and lead by example, while others have suggested that endorsing a protest from behind the scenes can be an effective way to show support without putting oneself in harm’s way.
Obi’s initial endorsement of the protest had been seen as a significant move, given his popularity among young people and his reputation as a champion of social justice. However, Onanuga’s challenge has raised questions about Obi’s willingness to take a more active role in the protest movement….Seē _ Morē