Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga has strongly refuted the claims circulating on social media suggesting that President Bola Tinubu is indifferent to the difficulties and hardships experienced by Nigerians. In a detailed response to these allegations, Onanuga clarified that such assertions misrepresent the President’s intentions and commitment. He explained that, contrary to popular belief, Tinubu is not disconnected from the challenges faced by citizens, but rather, he is deeply invested in finding solutions to alleviate these struggles and enhance the quality of life across Nigeria. According to Onanuga, Tinubu remains dedicated to addressing the country’s pressing issues and leading efforts to support economic recovery and development in a way that benefits all Nigerians.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on October 27, 2024, Onanuga addressed the nickname “T-Pain,” which has recently trended on social media as a label for Tinubu. He dismissed the term as a “mischievous” misrepresentation of Tinubu’s leadership style and policy decisions. Onanuga explained that such nicknames distort the true nature of Tinubu’s goals for the country, which are rooted in addressing longstanding economic challenges and promoting sustainable development. He urged the public to avoid reducing the President’s efforts to unfair labels that could undermine the administration's commitment to fostering a more prosperous Nigeria.
Onanuga further clarified that President Tinubu does not personally monitor social media comments and is instead focused on governance and policies that drive impactful changes in Nigerians’ lives. “The President does not read what is on social media. People calling him that are just being mischievous,” he remarked. Onanuga stressed that this narrative does not reflect Tinubu’s commitment to national progress and added that the President’s attention is squarely on implementing strategies aimed at repairing the economy, rather than causing undue hardship for citizens.
According to Onanuga, the President is fully aware of the economic struggles affecting Nigerians and is actively pursuing initiatives to bring about meaningful relief. “The President feels the pain of Nigerians and is working tirelessly to ensure better days are coming sooner rather than later,” Onanuga stated. He emphasized that Tinubu’s administration is taking concrete steps to address the root causes of economic challenges, including rising inflation and the pressures of soaring food and energy prices, while aiming to stabilize and stimulate the economy to benefit citizens in the long term.
Onanuga pointed out that despite the economic difficulties, Nigeria is experiencing growth in revenues, which he views as an indicator that the administration’s policies are beginning to yield positive results. He acknowledged the criticism surrounding controversial policies, such as the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of forex rates. However, he explained that while these measures have contributed to public discontent and increased living costs, they are essential for the country’s long-term economic stability and resilience. The administration believes that these reforms, though challenging, are critical steps toward building a stronger, self-sustaining economy that can support improved standards of living over time.
He went on to mention that the government is aware of the major protests held by citizens in opposition to these economic policies, but remains resolute in its belief that these changes are necessary for Nigeria’s overall well-being. Onanuga emphasized that the administration views these reforms as part of a broader strategy to create a stable, thriving economy that can withstand future shocks. He called on Nigerians to exercise patience and understanding, urging them to trust in the administration’s vision for a brighter future. “President Tinubu is not here to inflict pain, but to create a better future for all,” Onanuga concluded, reiterating the President’s commitment to the well-being of Nigerians and his resolve to guide the country through this period of transformation for the collective good.