By Karen James
Renowned entertainer and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has expressed his anger and disapproval over an alleged plot to arrest Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election.
The allegations surfaced after the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) claimed that the Presidency was planning to arrest Obi due to his alleged involvement in a nationwide protest scheduled for August.
Bayo Onanuga, a presidential spokesman, had accused Peter Obi’s supporters of organising the protest. In response, POMR issued a statement through its spokesperson, Yunusa Tanko, stating that the allegations were baseless and aimed at orchestrating Obi’s arrest without any evidence or substantiation.
Charly Boy, taking to his official X handle, expressed his bewilderment as to why the Presidency would target Obi and hold him responsible for a planned protest centred around the economic difficulties faced by the nation. In a defiant tone, he dared the Presidency to carry out the threatened arrest of Obi and face the consequences.
The alleged plot and subsequent public statements have sparked a wave of concern and criticism, with individuals and groups condemning any attempt to suppress peaceful protests and limit freedom of expression. Peter Obi, a well-respected figure known for his dedication to public service, has gathered support from various quarters.
As the situation unfolds, Nigerians wait to see whether the alleged plot turns into action or if it will be dismissed as baseless accusations. The case has further ignited conversations around the rights of citizens to express their grievances sans repercussions and the need for open dialogue between the government and its citizens during times of hardship. Charly Boy’s outspoken and defiant response signifies growing frustration and a call for transparency and accountability from the authorities.
He wrote in pidgin, “Abeg I wan understand something, so Nigerians – BAT supporters join – wan gather protest against Tinubu’s bad government and horrible tenure, but na Peter Obi dem wan hold accountable by arresting am? Okay na!!
“Let’s go! Make una try that arrest and see what will happen as una think say una dey untouchable therefore can do anything. We dey dey look and wait