Provide evidence that I’m sponsoring protests–Professor Pat Utomi Challenges Alarmist Bayo Onanuga

Professor Patrick Utomi has challenged Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, to provide evidence to substantiate his claims that he (Utomi) was part of those sponsoring the planned nationwide protest.

Onanuga had on Saturday, July 20, 2024, accused the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi and his supporters as well Prof Utomi, of masterminding the planned protests.

Utomi, in a post on his verified X handle, expressed utter disappointment of the unsubstantiated allegation by Onanuga and therefore challenged him to provide proof of his involvement.

He pointedly said that he was unaware of the protest plans until recently when he called a civil servant in Abuja who advised him to be cautious of potential flight disruptions due to the demonstrations.

Utomi, who said that he has been residing in Washingto D.C. for some months and engaged in an intensive fellowship and working on a book project, said that he used to think that Onanuga was a journalist of some standing until he began to receive calls about his accusing him of planning protest for August.

In the words of Utomi; “Esteem just collapsed before me. I used to think Bayo Onanuga was a journalist of some standing until I began to receive calls this morning about his accusing me of planning demonstrations for August”.

“I have been resident in Washington D.C. and occupied by an intense Fellowship for months with additional work on a book project such that I did not even know demonstrations were being planned until I called a senior civil servant in Abuja,” he explained.

Utomi however stressed his support for citizens’ right to protest, in spite of his lack of involvement in the planning even as he noted that the accusation by Onanuga might be a deliberate falsehood to justify a sinister plan.

In the words of Utomi; “This morning, when I heard about Onanuga’s comment, my inclination was to ignore it. But another caller suggested it could be deliberate falsehood to rationalize a sinister plan”.

He therefore challenged Onanuga to provide any evidence that supports his accusations, saying; “I would like Mr. Onanuga to present any evidence to justify his comment”.