News
Heavy Knocks, Kudos As Bayo Onanuga Bags CON
- /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/images-53-1.jpeg&description=Heavy Knocks, Kudos As Bayo Onanuga Bags CON', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/images-53-1.jpeg&description=Heavy Knocks, Kudos As Bayo Onanuga Bags CON', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
Bayo Onanuga’s conferment with the CON award has ignited a wave of both praise and criticism, reflecting deep divides over his role in Nigeria’s political and media landscape.
The conferment of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has sparked a flurry of reactions across social and political circles, with congratulatory messages flowing in alongside critical commentary.
Mr. Onanuga was among several Nigerians honoured by President Tinubu during this year’s Democracy Day celebrations. The award recognizes individuals for their service to the nation across various fields.
Supporters hailed the honour as long overdue for a man they describe as a committed patriot and defender of democratic values. Lawal Ahmed (@LawalKolaapo) tweeted, “Congratulations, Mr. Bayo Onanuga… Your dedication and service to the nation are truly commendable.” Another user, @ADEDARSENAL, wrote, “Brother Bayo, congratulations on your new national honour, sir.”
Some users took a more political tone. @EtunMount tweeted, “A former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, should in the pursuit of fairness and equity be awarded the GCON.” Another commenter, @AkileIjebu_GCON, used the moment to call for recognition of the Abiola family: “The FG should pay the family so that MKO’s labour didn’t end in vain.”
However, the honour has not been without controversy. Critics accuse Mr. Onanuga of past ethnically divisive statements and question the merit of the award. @sodiqOakinyemi asked, “Does a renowned and proud tribal bigot deserve a national honour in a multi-ethnic nation like Nigeria?” Another user, @realvictorad, described the honour as, “CON—Criminal Of Nigeria,” reflecting deeper grievances about political appointments and perceived marginalization.
Some users used the opportunity to express broader dissatisfaction with the government. @UnohUnoh126658 said, “Was that a democracy speech or a campaign speech?”
Born on June 20, 1957, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Bayo Onanuga is a veteran journalist and media executive. A graduate of Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, he began his journalism career at ‘The Guardian’ before co-founding ‘TheNEWS’, ‘PM News’, and ‘Tempo Magazine’.
During the military era, Onanuga became known for his fierce opposition to authoritarian rule. He resigned as editor of ‘African Concord’ in 1992 rather than retract an article critical of the Ibrahim Babangida-led government. During the Abacha regime, he went into exile following harassment over his journalistic work.
He later returned and continued to play an active role in shaping media discourse in Nigeria. In 2016, he was appointed Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and in 2023, he served as Director of Media and Publicity for the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign before being appointed to his current advisory position.
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE, OPEP, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, have arrested a suspected kidnapper linked to the abduction of a resident in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
This was contained in a statement posted on X by the Nigerian Army.
The post identified the suspect as Buba Ali, 30, adding that he was arrested at about 12:45 pm on Sunday, August 9, at Binawa village in Kauru Local Government Area.
According to post, the suspect was arrested during a joint operation conducted by troops of Sector 7 OPEP and members of the CJTF.
It said the suspect was reportedly linked to the kidnapping of Alhaji Tasi, who was abducted in the village.
“Following his arrest, Ali was taken into custody and is currently being interrogated by security personnel.
“The ongoing investigation is focused on obtaining information that could lead to the identification and arrest of other members of the suspected kidnapping gang,” the Army said.
Nigerian ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has rejected claims by an Islamic scholar, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, that Nigeria is a Muslim country.
In a viral video, Sheikh Jingir, who was preaching to Muslims at an event, said “if you don’t want to accept a Muslim-Muslim ticket, you should leave Nigeria because it belongs to us”.
The comment has continued to generate backlash online as Christians rejected the claim.
Reacting, Fani-kayode in a statement posted on his official X handle on Sunday night, said the cleric’s remark is unhelpful and untrue.
“Worse of all is the fact that it is highly provocative,” the former aviation minister said.
“Kindly take note that it is a very slippery and dangerous slope to take and is best avoided. Nigeria is NOT a Muslim country and neither is she a Christian country.
“She is a SECULAR and MULTI-RELIGIOUS state comprising BOTH Christians and Muslims in equal numbers and that is our strength,” FFK added.
He further stated that President Bola Tinubu’s Muslim/Muslim ticket for 2027 is gaining acceptance “only because of the calibre, ability, sincerity of purpose, character, utility and electoral strength of our Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates and their ability to deliver and not because they are Muslims”.
“One day we may have a Christian/Christian ticket too because with God all things are possible,” he added.
The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the release of the state Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Moyowa Adejoorin, who was arrested in connection with a shooting incident at an All Progressives Congress, APC, rally in Ilesa.
The incident occurred on Saturday and reportedly left four people injured, including a teenager identified as Tobi Ilesanmi.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said Adejoorin was taken into custody after police officers arrived at the scene, secured the area and began collecting evidence.
According to Ojelabi, the commissioner’s vehicle was stopped at the location, where an Amotekun operative allegedly linked to the shooting was also found.
“Immediately the incident was reported, our personnel moved to the scene and cordoned off the area before some exhibits were recovered, which included expended cartridges and Amotekun personnel caps.
“Also, Mr Adejoorin was arrested at the scene and taken to the command for questioning as part of the investigation process,” Ojelabi said.
The development came amid heightened attention to the incident after a video circulated on social media on Sunday showing Adejoorin leaving the police command.
Confirming the development, Ojelabi told Vanguard that the commissioner had been released on bail but said he was still awaiting clarification on the status of the Amotekun operative who was arrested alongside him.
“It is true that the commissioner has been released on bail today, but I am yet to clear the situation with the Amotekun personnel arrested with him,” he said.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting are ongoing.
BBNaija: Martins becomes first housemate to be evicted
Flood wreaks havoc in Minna communities, destroys properties worth N100m
Army arrests suspected kidnapper linked to Kaduna abduction
-
News11 hours agoWe’re aware of your coded meetings with Lulu-Briggs, 𝐏𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐬𝐨𝐧, CRP uncovers ex-MD of NDDC, Nunieh
-
News6 hours agoConfusion as Shekau’s son surfaces in Boko Haram ranks
-
Foreign11 hours agoIran demands war damages compensation for reopening Strait of Hormuz
-
News11 hours agoPolice neutralize suspected gang leader over murder of Imo monarch, recover arms
-
News11 hours agoZamfara PDP guber candidate, Gusau celebrates Umar Bature on his birthday, says he’s a visionary team player, bridge builder
-
News6 hours agoTroops waste kidnapper, rescue kidnapped farmer
-
News11 hours ago16 rescued, several feared trapped as residential building collapses in Kano
-
Sports10 hours agoWAFCON 2026: Super Falcons suffer shock defeat as Cameroon gets automatic ticket for World Cup