Call for Investigation into Presidential Spokesperson’s Claims
General Abubakar, an advisor to activist Vincent Otse, also known as Berry Darkman, has urged security agencies to investigate Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu. Abubakar seeks scrutiny over Onanuga’s assertions regarding alleged audio messages from President Tinubu that were purportedly shared with his client.
Controversial Video Sparks Outrage
A video created by China’s VDM, responding to a woman’s complaints about power shortages, has become a focal point of controversy. The video included a warning against President Tinubu’s re-election and featured a manipulated voice recording in which the president allegedly threatened leading presidential candidates and specific regions of Nigeria.
Demands for Accountability and Sanctions
In a statement released on Friday, Abubakar condemned Onanuga for distributing an unauthorized and altered video targeting VDM, calling for the government to distance itself from the damaging claims. He emphasized that appropriate sanctions should be imposed on Onanuga, asserting the need for accountability in public communications.
Legal Implications of Inflammatory Statements
According to Abubakar, Onanuga’s tweets fall under section 24 of the Cybercrime Act, which addresses the dissemination of false information. He also highlighted earlier tweets from March 2023 that warned of “Igbo interference in Lagos politics,” labeling them as racist and xenophobic. If found guilty, offenders could face up to five years in prison, a fine of N10 million, or both.
Reflecting on Historical Context and Responsibilities
Abubakar noted the irony in Onanuga’s current stance, recalling his earlier activism against Nigeria’s military rule in the 1990s. This shift raises questions about the moral responsibilities of those in power and the potential for abuse that he once fought against. The alarming trend of rhetoric against dissent is a concern that Abubakar believes warrants serious reflection.
Advocating for Freedom of Expression
He quoted Justice Stephen in the 1999 case Redmond Bate v. Democratic Party, emphasizing that freedom of speech encompasses not only harmless views but also controversial and provocative opinions, as long as they do not incite violence. Abubakar stressed the importance of allowing Nigerians the freedom to critique government policies, opposing the narrative that only inoffensive discourse is acceptable.
Trust Erosion in Governance
Abubakar asserted that the Tinubu administration has lost the trust of the Nigerian populace. He invoked historical challenges faced by those advocating for rights, noting a concerning pattern of governmental reprisals against dissent. He challenged current beneficiaries of the ruling party to acknowledge the failures of their administration and the erosion of rights that citizens have fought to obtain.
