Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga has incurred the wrath of some Nigerians with a post on X which many believe was disrespectful to citizens going through unbearable hardship and hunger due to the policies of his principal, President Bola Tinubu.
Onanuga had taken to X to say that the president was on a private vacation and was not obligated to stay in one place as he could go to anywhere he pleased.
“President Tinubu is on leave for two weeks. He is not restricted to the UK. It is his private time. He can go to anywhere he so desires. He is still observing his leave,” Onanuga had written in the post.
However, many X users did not take the post with levity as some said it was insensitive, arrogant and a blatant disregard for the Nigerian masses who wonder why their president would decide to travel out of the country at a time the people are suffering.
An X user with the handle @Inuwabello was the first to fire the salvo with this comment:
“Serious lack of emotional intelligence and empathy from this handle seeing how his reckless economic policies have unleashed hardship on Nigerians.
“For now, with what’s happening in Nigeria, he has no “private time”, and he can’t go “anywhere he desires” while Nigerians are undergoing such hardships.
You may have an axe to grind with his political opponents, but remember that most people that read what you write are struggling ordinary citizens just trying to survive.
“You are doing more harm than good and are sustaining the impression of Mr President being out of touch with his people,” he said.
Others also had strong words for Onanuga as a result of the tweet.
“At some point you will address the Nigerian people with the respect of that which pays your salary. You work for us not the other way round. Being idiotically rude at a vacation that is questionable at best in a land where even the employed can’t afford a product that is natural to us is sickening.” – @DiceofTruth
“Well, I don’t think it’s good to be on a leave when many of his country men are starving. This is the time to roll up the sleeves ,not a time for leave. I would understand if it was a medical trip but even at that, we have good hospitals here that can attend to our president. It’s not good for our image that everytime our president needs medical or other attention, he runs to Europe.” – @EvansOchinyere
“Is he using his private jet to travel around the globe on his private time, or is he spending government money?” – @Udoh_D
“There is hunger in the land. No job no hope. Everyday you keep on increasing fuel and electricity prices. Crime everywhere due to bad governance to the people. Sir please go and relax because this regime is all about sharing rice to the people.” – @Stanley_duru77
“Nigerians are only concerned that he might stray into jurisdiction where creditors are just waiting to seize his shiny new jumbo jet. Otherwise his presence makes no difference to Nigerians one way or another.” – @pdauda
“Same way the presidents of France and UK always observe thier leave in Kano and Kaduna…..Mr Bayo ENSRR.” – @MayorOfDWorld
“@aonanuga1956, the hypocritical hypocrite trying hard to defend the falsehoods of the president.” -MalAminuBello
“UK prime minister always hangout in Ikoyi and banana Island for his holiday.
Nigerians should take a chill pill and enjoy Tinubu wonderful policies.” – @OfficiaEdoOsasB
“Sir, do not tweet when you’re going through some family problems. Because, this your tweet reeks of depression, anger and confusion. You’re communicating to our tax payers and not to some unlawful immigrants taking refuge in our country.” -@Harmless12345
“You actually sound like you’re depressed and having anxiety problems.” – @oteessolutions1
“Just imagine the quality of handlers and their tone! So sad!” -@udeochusp
“I passed a vote of no confidence in all of them a long time ago. Some people thought I was crazy when I said that, but they never stop proving me right. The president doesn’t have a media team; these guys are a liability to him.” – @IamEriOluwa
“…and because Nigeria is the president’s private estate, there was no need to hand over power to his vice while he was proceeding on leave. Was a leave not supposed to be for someone who works?” – @djokaymegamixer
“And who’s fighting with you? Why this combative tone? Is the pressure getting to you? Yake it easy abeg. Oya clean the sweat from your forehead and relax. 🤧
Meanwhile fuel is N1,300/L and 3 small oranges are N500. I just said let me update you. Enjoy your weekend.” – @TimedFrank
“You have turned this government into a joke, you are not pretending anymore.” – @ImaredonJ
“He should leave Nigeria alone… that’s the leave the country need. He’s chocking us.” – @UnlimitedEniola