Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, has responded to criticism on social media regarding claims that the President is indifferent to the struggles of Nigerians. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Onanuga asserted that Tinubu is fully aware of the difficulties facing the populace and is committed to improving their circumstances.
He specifically addressed the recent social media nickname “T-pain” that some users have attributed to Tinubu, labeling it as “mischievous.” Onanuga emphasized that the President’s intentions are not to exacerbate the hardships faced by Nigerians but to focus on “repairing the economy.”
“The President is aware that the citizens are going through some difficulties,” he stated, but added that Tinubu does not follow social media trends closely, hence he is not aware of the nickname being used against him.
Onanuga remarked, “Some people have also responded and called the President a different name. So, as far as I am concerned, it is a non-issue. Some people out of mischief just say somebody is a T-pain. He (Tinubu) is not T-pain.”
He reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the nation’s challenges, saying, “The President has never shied away from telling Nigerians that he feels their pain and he is working very hard to make sure that he gives them some relief so that things will get better and this country will get more prosperity.”
Despite the challenges posed by high inflation, Onanuga pointed out that Nigeria is experiencing economic growth, stating, “Despite inflation, revenues have increased.”