•Warns about failing aides in time of need
The former southeast campaign spokesman to President Bola Tinubu, Denge Josef Onoh, has raised concern at the silence of a great number of the president’s appointees at the most critical time the administration is facing anticipated mass protests.
Onoh while quoting from the Holy Bible discribed the President’s appointees as disciples and referred to Mark 16:15. He said that Jesus said to his disciples, “Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all.”
He noted that as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has alleged that they have identified foreign sponsors of the planned August 1-10 protests, which he said aims to cause mayhem and violence across the country, even without the Inspector General of Police (IGP) revealing the identities of the suspected sponsors, it was worth commending his proactive efforts for emphasising that protesters must register with the police command in their respective states.
“It’s also important to commend the efforts of the DSS and Nigerian army who are currently at alert to avert break down of law and order, including the National Security Adviser who has been working to ensure that lives, including that of would be protesters, are protected.
“In the wake of the anticipated protest, the President has truly displayed wisdom and capacity to lead. Even under the pressure, you have shown your desperation to set Nigeria on the path of greatness. Despite the current challenges Mr. President was still able to sign the minimum wage bill into law, the local government autonomy judgement which is a victory that even your greatest critics celebrated with you and Nigerians together.
“Mr. President while facing threats of protest yet signed into law bills to accelerate development across geo-political zones in the country. The President has assented to the North-West Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024, and the South-East Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023.
“You appointed 48 ministers, Various members and chairmen of university and polytechnic governing boards, Special advisers, senior special advisers, various board chairmen and a spokesman. These are your disciples and their major objectives is to spread the word of your good works and engage Nigerians.
“It’s a serious cause for concern that majority of your appointees and beneficiaries of your administration have kept silent at the most challenging time of your administration as you face the ragging anger of Nigerians threatening protests due to economic challenges not caused by you but inherited by your administration.
“As much as I might not agree with some choice of words that very few of your appointees might have used during public engagement as the protest evolves, at least one can understand their frustration and very few of your appointees were bold enough to face the heat and stand by you when it mattered the most.
“Great appreciation goes to the FCT minister Bar. Nyesom Wike, Chief Bayo Onanuga, Tunde Rhaman, Tope Ajayi, Olusegun Dada. Although many may not agree on their methods, I’ll do same if I were in their positions in defence of their principal. Even Peter in the Bible had to cut off the ear of a Roman soldier during the arrest of Jesus. Yet we can boldly say they gave a voice when you needed it the most.
“It’s most worthy to appreciate immensely the tireless efforts of Rt. Hon. Benjamin kalu who has stuck out his neck in defence of this administration while pleading for calm to the would be protesters. Same appreciation goes to Governor Hope Uzodinma and very few APC Governors whom have boldly stood by you at this critical period.
“It’s troubling that great support came from non beneficiaries of your government like Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, my humble self, Bar. Daniel Bwala (who I still don’t understand his unlimited access to you after his campaign slurs at you), Reno Omokri, Prince Ade Omole, and your die hard supporters in various renewed hope mandate forums who are still championing your cause just to mention almost the very few left that are sincerely championing for the success of your government.
“Even those who tommorow might benefit from you as would be Ambassadors are only waiting for their time and non we know about is speaking up for you currently. Ministers ought to be in their respective states and engaging their constituents not to join the protests. Just like former Governor Ben Ayade is currently doing as we speak by walking on the streets of Cross River State and pleading with the masses for calm. Even myself was speechless in admiration when I saw the video.
“Rather you have been left to face the people as a lone General with few committed loyalist and appointees.
“Like Horus at the Battle of Qadesh in 1274 BC which was fought between the Egyptian forces of Ramesses II and the Hittite Empire. During the battle, the Egyptian Prince Horus was said to have fought bravely and single-handedly held off a group of Hittite charioteers, allowing the Egyptian forces to regroup and ultimately win the battle. Same can be said of you Mr. President but be assured that you are not alone although the silence of your vast appointees seems to portray you are.
“The silence of your appointees is more dangerous than the anticipated protest and their failure to engage Nigerians to promote the successes of your administration for such continuous public engagement promotes unity and rekindles hope for Nigerians.
“The time has come to prioritise skills and experience in your cabinet over technocrats who are better suited to the sanity of the educational environment than the thorny road of Nigerian complex political landscape.
“In your words ‘your victory at the polls was purely by divine intervention, careful planning, and diligence in getting support from Nigerians. Today Nigerians want change and the change can never be achieved by protests or the number of people that may decide to match on the streets, the change must come from us and it’s time to make that change.”
(Guardian)
