Tensions are rising within Nigeria’s political scene as Bode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), issued a stern warning to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu.
George’s warning came after Onanuga criticised former President Olusegun Obasanjo, sparking outrage among political heavyweights.
In a recent interview on Nigeria Info FM, George did not mince words.
He accused Onanuga of disrespecting Obasanjo, a revered elder in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“Obasanjo is old enough to be Onanuga’s father,” George emphasised.
He described Onanuga’s comments as an affront to Yoruba culture, which places a high value on respect for elders.
“This is forbidden in our culture,” George said.
“An elder spoke his mind, and instead of responding respectfully, Onanuga insulted him.”
George hinted that Onanuga would face consequences for his actions.
“Someday, he will pay back because there will always be a day after,” he warned.
He further advised Onanuga to remain vigilant, implying that repercussions could come unexpectedly.
The controversy began after Obasanjo delivered a blistering critique of Nigeria’s current state at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University.
In his address, Obasanjo described Nigeria as a “failing state” plagued by corruption and poor leadership.
His remarks were seen as a direct swipe at President Tinubu’s administration.
Onanuga quickly fired back, dismissing Obasanjo as a flawed leader who had no moral standing to critique others.
He accused Obasanjo of overseeing the most fraudulent election in Nigeria’s history.
“The economic crisis we are battling today is a product of the poor choices made by Obasanjo and his successors from the PDP,” Onanuga stated.
He also claimed that Obasanjo’s successes were largely due to high oil prices during his tenure.
“The rise in crude oil prices started in 2000 and peaked in 2013. That’s the only reason his fiscal policies seemed to work,” Onanuga argued.
George, however, dismissed Onanuga’s arguments as baseless and disrespectful.
“It’s not about the economy or oil prices. It’s about showing respect,” George insisted.
He recalled that Onanuga had insulted him in the past.
“That’s his style. He did it to me before,” George said.
The PDP stalwart also took a jab at Onanuga’s background, implying that he lacked the proper upbringing.
“He didn’t meet me in Ijebu Ode Grammar School,” George quipped, hinting at a perceived gap in class and respect.
Political analysts say the feud highlights deeper divisions between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obasanjo, a former military leader and two-term civilian president, remains a polarizing figure in Nigerian politics.
His criticism of successive governments often draws sharp reactions from loyalists of the ruling party. Onanuga’s remarks have fueled debates about leadership and accountability.
