EndBadGovernance: FG Corners Peter Obi With Arrest Scare
What Happened
Recently, rumours of Peter Obi being behind the EndBadGovernance protest surfaced, and quickly, there is a report making rounds that Peter Obi could be arrested.
Those pushing to arrest Peter Obi are simply testing the waters. They are trying to see the reactions of people and properly weigh opinions before they make the move, and at the same time, forcing the former governor to condemn those planning the protest.
There is no smoke without fire. This popular Nigerian saying is the biggest conviction if you have any doubt about the possible arrest of Peter Obi.
There has been a clandestine move since after the election to nail the 2023 Labour candidate who appears ready to take the political space of the country by storm.
It would be foolish to think this government can not arrest Peter Obi, knowing well that the country has a problem with the rule of law.
Action could swing with public opinion, but in as much as I think it’s a scare, the possibility of picking up Peter Obi is there, and I will deal with this column like the possibility is 70 percent.
Reaction
To quickly dispel the rumour, Labour Party Diaspora Directorate distanced the party and Peter Obi from the protest. It was important to quickly make the position of Peter Obi clear.
The distancing is not because a protest is unlawful but to deprive the government that has since been targeting the 2023 Labour Party candidate. He is a man of the people.
“The Labour Party and Peter Obi have consistently championed peace and lawful conduct. Our record, especially in the aftermath of the last general election, speaks volumes about our commitment to peaceful and constructive engagement in Nigerian’s political landscape. We have always prioritized the rule of law and encouraged our supporters to do the same” the part of the statement issued onbehalf of Peter Obi said.
The press statement shows signs of fear, and even if it warrants sacrificing the protest or attacking the protest to prove the innocence of Peter Obi, there is no problem.
“That is exactly where the administration wants Peter. They know he has the power to command the public, and they want him to speak but cannot come that low to beg him. To get him to speak and condemn the protest, they came with the arrest scare” Mr Emeka Odua said.
The outline of the press statement by Labour Party Diaspora is strategic and mixed. If the protest is lawful, why the contrast and quick disinterest from a lawful action aimed to correct bad governance?
While the first paragraph has given the impression that the protest is not lawful and urged protesters to embrace “peaceful and constructive engagement” instead of protest, the rest of the paragraphs did little to convince otherwise.
It is obvious that the Labour Party is protecting Peter Obi from possible arrest because they are convinced the government could arrest him on trumped-up charges of conspiracy to disrupt governance. Let’s presume that is the case. Do they fear the figure Peter has become in the country?
Peter Obi’s Status
The press statement should have clearly declared the lawful status of the protest, and the patriotic aim of the protest, while making it clear that Peter Obi would always stand by any lawful move to make the country better. If protest to end bad governance is in the best interest of the country, why distance Peter Obi from it in a manner that appears as if the protest is not right?
If Nigerians are ready to pay the ultimate price for the good of the country, why can’t Peter Obi embrace the fact that he is a role model for most of the young Nigerians in politics or showing willingness for the political emancipation of the country?
Peter Obi is not Nigeria’s everyday politician, and that should be the message to oppressive government anywhere in the country. Arresting Peter Obi will be a disastrous move, a move as disastrous as the 2015 arrest of Nnamdi Kanu.
Government’s Fear
The administration of President Bola Almed Tinubu should be wary of Peter Obi’s arrest. The arrest should be a mere rumour if we still want to have a country devoid of major conflict.
His arrest could trigger something never seen before in the country. So, it should be rumoured but never affected or implemented.
There is a gamble that is capable of backfiring, and with the volatile state of the country, Peter Obi’s arrest could be a trigger if made.
It’s pertinent to bring to the attention of the handlers of the President that the wave of protest across Africa needs calm response. There should not be a rash decision.
The government is aware of Peter Obi’s status in the country, so arresting him will not be easy. Hence, Peter Obi and his handlers should not always chicken out of a lawful protest. They should embrace the people and understand that in a time like this, leaders stand up firmly.
Conclusion
Closing the press statement after trying to create a mixed feeling of right and wrong, Petter Obi’s handlers ended the statement with a damning paragraph to the protest.
“The Labour Party remains committed to contributing to the progress and development of Nigeria through constructive opposition and promotion of sound policies. We call on all Nigerians to remain peaceful. Law-abiding, and focused on collective efforts to build a better nation” the statement concluded.
Peter Obi is well aware that the planners of the protest are not anonymous. Sowore is openly campaigning for the protest and occupying the leadership vacuum, so, it was not difficult to acknowledge the legal status of the protest, share in the concerns of the protest, commend the motive of the protest and urge the protest to be lawful.
By so doing, the former governor did not abet or instigate the protest. He would have had the administration accusing him of bringing the protest on a table for debate. His response would have been on the legality of the protest and establishing of the protest leaders.
The change Nigeria needs will not come soft, and now the people have chosen to protest against bad governance, they should be commended and not thrown away because of arrest scare.
