1 month ago
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President Bola Tinubu’s former spokesman for the Southeast, Josef Onoh, has responded to Peter Obi’s criticism that the President’s recent national address failed to address key issues that sparked nationwide protests.
Naija News reports that Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, criticized Tinubu’s address for neglecting to address the critical issues driving the protests, claiming it focused too much on past discussions.
Onoh countered Obi’s criticism by asserting that the President has already addressed the core demands, such as food security and wage increases, and urged Obi to verify these claims.
Onoh highlighted that the protesters’ new demands include scrapping the 1999 Constitution and replacing it with a new one created by the people.
He questioned what would govern Nigeria if the current constitution were abolished, warning that such demands could lead to calls for an interim government or even military rule. He emphasized that Tinubu’s authority as president is grounded in the constitution.
According to The Nation, Onoh recalled that on February 14, 2024, the Senate formed a 45-member committee to review and amend Nigeria’s Constitution, including representatives from all states, geopolitical zones, and political parties with Senate representation.
He encouraged protesters to make their submissions through their respective Senators.
He stated: “There is nowhere in our constitution that gives President Tinubu or anyone the powers to scrap a part of any arm of government. This demand calls for military rule. The other demand to make legislative work part-time would require a constitutional amendment which I already said they can engage their various Senators that are members of the constitution amendment committee as President Tinubu does not have the constitutional powers to make that amendment by fiat.”
Onoh mentioned that the President has addressed the minimum wage demand, as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) agreed to set the new minimum wage at ₦70,000 after consultations with various stakeholders. Tinubu committed to reviewing wages every three years instead of every five years.
On educational investment and grants, Onoh explained that public universities and agencies like TETFUND and NDDC have consistently supported students through scholarships and other funding. The responsibility for free and compulsory education, he noted, lies with individual states.
Regarding the release of Nnamdi Kanu and demilitarization of the Southeast, Onoh highlighted ongoing legal proceedings and efforts by Southeast senators and governors to address these issues, emphasizing that the demands were already in motion before the protests.
For compensation of EndSARS protesters, Onoh pointed out the ongoing legal actions against the Federal Government in ECOWAS Court and noted the complexities involved due to instances of looting and property destruction during the protests.
On the demand to renationalize public enterprises, Onoh criticized the lack of specifics from protesters and explained the lengthy legal process involved, arguing that only a military regime or autocrat could reverse such sales without due process.
Regarding the corrupt-free subsidy regime, Onoh reminded protesters of past abuses of subsidy interventions and encouraged them to direct this demand to their elected state officials.
He noted that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has begun disbursing stipends to students, reaffirming Tinubu’s commitment to supporting education financially.
Onoh also addressed demands for probing and recovering looted funds, citing ongoing efforts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against former and current officials. He highlighted the importance of systemic changes to prevent future corruption.
He mentioned that restructuring Nigeria requires constitutional amendments, a process beyond the President’s direct control, urging protesters to engage with the Senate committee on constitutional amendments.
Onoh acknowledged that demands to combat banditry and terrorism are within presidential limits and highlighted Tinubu’s engagements with ECOWAS and regional security initiatives.
Regarding energy investments, he pointed to previous government efforts, such as the Electricity Act 2023, allowing states to generate power independently and fostering competition.
Onoh criticized demands for the reconstitution of Nigeria’s electoral body, urging protesters to provide evidence for allegations of corruption and reminding them of the need for verified accusations.
He urged protesters to consider ongoing and planned public works projects and industrialization efforts aimed at boosting employment.
Onoh dismissed calls for a shake-up of the judiciary as distractions and emphasized past disciplinary actions against corrupt judges, reiterating that this demand is not a presidential responsibility.
On diaspora voting, he noted that such changes require amendments to the Electoral Act, not presidential action.
Onoh argued that reverting the petrol pump price to ₦100 per litre is economically unfeasible due to exploration, production, and refining costs, noting efforts to improve Nigeria’s refineries and power sector.
Onoh urged protesters to engage in dialogue, stating that Tinubu had already addressed many of their demands and encouraged them to ask the right questions.
He also called on the President to listen to the people and continue working towards national progress, warning that cabinet reshuffles should be proactive rather than reactive.
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