Free Nnamdi Kanu Protest: Atiku’s Aide Criticizes Presidency Over Calls to Sanction Ejimakor

Paul Ibe has faulted Bayo Onanuga for calling for sanctions against Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor.

He said the presidency should focus on fixing economic problems rather than stirring political distractions.

Paul Ibe, the media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, for demanding disciplinary action against Aloy Ejimakor, the Special Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Ibe said Onanuga’s call for Ejimakor’s sanction was misplaced and irrelevant to the challenges ordinary Nigerians face daily. He wondered how such political comments could help reduce the high cost of food and improve citizens’ welfare.

Onanuga had accused Ejimakor of ignoring the rule of sub judice by joining the “Free Nnamdi Kanu” protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore in Abuja. The presidential aide argued that Ejimakor was using political and social pressure instead of legal channels to push for his client’s release from the custody of the Department of State Services.

Responding through his X handle, Ibe described Onanuga’s remarks as unnecessary and politically driven. He said not everything in Nigeria should revolve around politics and accused the presidency of focusing on distractions instead of governance.

Ibe further stated that nothing in the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners prevents a lawyer from participating in peaceful demonstrations related to their client’s cause. He also cited Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to freedom of assembly.

He concluded by questioning how Onanuga’s political statements contribute to solving Nigeria’s pressing economic issues such as food inflation and poverty.