Pat Utomi Threatens N500 Billion Lawsuit Against Tinubu’s Aide, Bayo Onanuga
Political economist Prof. Pat Utomi has announced his intention to file a N500 billion lawsuit against Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu. Onanuga accused Utomi of sponsoring planned nationwide protests.
On his verified X account, Onanuga alleged that Pat Utomi and Peter Obi were behind the upcoming protests against Tinubu’s administration. He warned that they would be held responsible for any liabilities arising from the demonstrations scheduled for August.
In response, the Labour Party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, denied Onanuga’s allegations, calling them a figment of his imagination.
Utomi, in a personal press statement, claimed he is currently not in Nigeria and is unaware of any planned protests. He declared that his legal team would sue Onanuga for defamation.
“My attention has been drawn to a statement by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, a spokesman for the presidency, alleging that I have been a key player in demonstrations viewed as insurrection. Let me state first and foremost that I have no problem with protests. They are legitimate sources of feedback in a democracy. I have participated in several during military rule alongside some of those now in government. My reaction to Onanuga’s statement has therefore nothing to do with the legitimacy of the demonstrations but with the deliberate and outright falsehood of the statement,” Utomi said.
He added, “I have been living in the United States for several months now and was unaware of threats of demonstrations, so I could not have been part of something I did not know was in the works. As a student of the State in post-colonial Africa, I am horrified that agents of the State can fabricate deliberate falsehoods.”
Utomi challenged the presidency to produce evidence of any contact between him and the supposed demonstration planners, suggesting that bugged phones should provide some proof.
“If no evidence of Mr. Onanuga’s false assertion is shown, I will assume it reasonable that the object is to water the ground for false treasonable felony charges that can result in the claim of one’s life. I intend to therefore proceed to the international criminal and other human rights courts if a reasonable explanation is not forthcoming,” Utomi stated.
He also mentioned plans to claim N500 billion for fake news, hate speech, and intent to procure State murder of an innocent citizen, and if justice proves problematic in Nigeria, he trusts in extra-national institutions and global human solidarity.
Utomi, who has survived two assassination attempts under Abacha, warned of the consequences of the current plotting by some now in power.
“I have indicated on X that I meant to ignore the false assertion, but I have been advised of a more sinister motive of State terror that should not be allowed to go unchallenged. This plan is apparently being instigated by Mr. Onanuga,” Utomi concluded.
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