Nigerian Economist Pat Utomi Reacts to Presidency Allegations on Nationwide Protest
A stormy controversy is brewing in Nigeria, as a high-ranking official from President Bola Tinubu’s administration accused a respected political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, of being one of the organizers behind an upcoming nationwide protest scheduled for August 1st to 10th. The allegation was made by Bayo Onanuga, a senior spokesperson to President Tinubu, who claimed that Professor Utomi, a chieftain of the Labour Party, is part of the group planning the demonstration.
However, in a response on his official social media handle, Professor Utomi strongly denied the allegations, stating that he has no issue with the planned protest. In fact, he praised the instrument of democracy, saying it is “a legitimate means for raising the voice of citizens.”
The 74-year-old Nigerian economist, who has been a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape for decades, emphasized his support for democracy and peaceful assembly. He even shared his personal experience, recalling the times he had participated in protests as a student and professional, including the 1993 election annulment protests.
“I supported the #EndSARS protests in 2020, despite not knowing the organizers,” Utomi wrote. “So if I were part of whatever is being planned for August, I would wear it as a badge of honor and not wait to be called out by Bayo Onanuga.”
The controversy surrounding the planned nationwide protest has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many calling for President Tinubu’s administration to respect the constitutional right of Nigerians to peaceful assembly and free speech.
In the midst of the drama, one thing is clear – Professor Pat Utomi’s commitment to democratic values and peaceful activism remains unwavering, even in the face of unfounded allegations.
