Nigerian govt’s response to Peter Obi’s safety alarm is troubling – Kwankwaso

Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has criticised the Presidency’s reaction to security concerns raised by the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

DAILY POST reports that Obi, during an interview with Chude Jideonwo, expressed fears over his safety, saying he might not be alive to contest the next general election.

He also alleged that the Federal Government was targeting and destroying his businesses because of his opposition role.

Responding via his X handle, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed Obi’s claims as “unfounded and misleading”.

He described the claim as “nothing more than a fabricated narrative, a page from his book of lies and propaganda.”

Reacting in a statement on Thursday, Kwankwaso described the Presidency’s response as disturbing, insisting that Obi’s concerns should have been treated with seriousness rather than ridicule.

“In his interview with Mr. Chude Jideonwo, Mr. Obi voiced serious worries about his personal safety and the adverse impact his role as an opposition leader has had on his businesses.

“Even more troubling was the Federal Government’s response, which resorted to personal insults and derogatory language instead of the restraint and maturity expected of a democratic administration.

“Let me state clearly: like every Nigerian, our presidential candidate and all of us deserve the full protection of the state, not ridicule for raising legitimate concerns.
“Democratic leadership requires fairness, justice, and restraint.

“A government entrusted with protecting citizens should not dismiss or mock credible calls for help from any individual, including Mr. Peter Obi,” he said.