Prof Utomi asks presidency to provide evidence Of allegation of protest sponsorship

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.

Supporters of Peter Obi, also on Sunday, dismissed as divisive and reckless allegations by Onanuga about an alleged plot by Obi and his followers to cause mayhem in the country.

Onanuga had on Saturday, July 20, 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 disappointment over the unsubstantiated allegation by Onanuga and therefore challenged him to provide evidence of his involvement.

Pat Utomi said he was unaware of the protest until recently when he called a civil servant in Abuja, with respect to a project, who then 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.

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.

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

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