Pat Utomi Responds to Presidency’s Allegations of Organizing Anti-Government Protest

Nigerian economist Pat Utomi has responded to the presidency’s accusation that he is involved in organizing the upcoming nationwide protest from August 1st to 10th.

Bayo Onanuga, a senior spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, had claimed that Utomi, alongside supporters of Labour Party’s Peter Obi, is behind the protest. Onanuga’s statement included mentions of Utomi and other individuals as organizers.

In his response on X, Utomi clarified his stance on protests, affirming that he supports them as a legitimate democratic tool. He stated, “I have nothing against protests; they are a vital part of democracy for voicing citizens’ concerns.”

Utomi added that he has participated in many protests throughout his life, including those during his university days and in support of the June 12 election annulment. He also expressed his support for the 2020 EndSARS protests, despite not knowing its organizers.

“If I were involved in the August protest, I would consider it an honor, not something to be criticized by Bayo Onanuga,” he concluded.