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Tag: Bayo Onanuga

  • Backlash as Onanuga Says He Doesn’t See Hunger Nigerians Are Complaining About

    Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has sparked controversy after stating that he does not see the level of hunger many Nigerians claim to be experiencing amid the country’s economic challenges.

    The presidential aide made the remark during an interview on ARISE News’ Prime Time programme on Tuesday, drawing immediate reactions from Nigerians on social media.

    Onanuga Defends Government Efforts

    Speaking during the interview, Onanuga said his personal interactions with workers around him do not reflect the severity of hunger often reported by Nigerians.

    “I don’t see the level of hunger Nigerians are complaining about,” he said, adding that the Federal Government had increased the national minimum wage by more than 100 percent.

    He noted that he regularly asks people working for him privately how they are coping with the current economic situation and believes government interventions are helping citizens adjust.

    Minimum Wage Increase Cited

    Onanuga referenced the increase in Nigeria’s minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, which took effect in 2024 following the signing of the amended minimum wage law.

    The administration has repeatedly pointed to the wage increase as part of measures designed to cushion the effects of ongoing economic reforms.

    Comments Trigger Public Reactions

    The remarks quickly generated backlash online, with many Nigerians accusing the presidential spokesman of being disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary citizens.

    Critics argued that rising food prices, transportation costs and inflation have significantly reduced the purchasing power of workers despite the wage increase.

    Several social media users questioned how government officials could dismiss widespread complaints about hardship when food inflation and living expenses remain high across the country.

    Economic Hardship Remains Major Concern

    Nigeria has continued to grapple with economic pressures following the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    While supporters of the reforms argue they are necessary for long-term economic stability, many households continue to face rising costs of food, energy and basic necessities.

    The controversy surrounding Onanuga’s comments has reignited debate over the impact of government policies and the growing perception gap between public officials and citizens.

    Debate Continues

    As reactions continue to trail the interview, no official clarification has been issued by the Presidency regarding the comments.

    The development adds to ongoing discussions about inflation, food security and the effectiveness of measures introduced to ease economic hardship across the country.

  • Bayo Onanuga Warns Social Media Users After Arrest Over Abuja Security Scare

    Presidential media aide Bayo Onanuga has warned that individuals who use social media to spread panic and disinformation will face consequences after the arrest of a man accused of triggering a security scare in Abuja.

    Onanuga disclosed the development via his X account, stating that authorities had apprehended a suspect linked to a false alarm about an impending security breach in the Federal Capital Territory.

    Suspect Accused of Spreading False Security Alert

    According to the presidential aide, the suspect allegedly circulated misleading information suggesting that Abuja was under imminent security threat.

    The false alert reportedly generated widespread fear among residents and disrupted normal activities, including academic programmes in some neighbouring communities.

    Presidency Backs Police Action

    Reacting to the incident, Onanuga stressed that while freedom of expression remains a constitutional right, the deliberate spread of false information capable of creating panic would not be tolerated.

    He noted that law enforcement agencies would continue to act against individuals whose actions undermine public trust and national security.

    The presidential spokesman maintained that misinformation, particularly on sensitive security matters, poses serious risks to public order and social stability.

    Call for Responsible Use of Social Media

    The Presidency urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it online, especially reports relating to security concerns.

    Citizens were also advised to rely on verified sources and official channels for updates on security matters rather than unconfirmed social media posts.

    Authorities said the arrest should serve as a warning to individuals who intentionally spread false narratives capable of causing fear and confusion among members of the public.

  • Onanuga Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Says President “Took the Bullets” to Save Nigeria

    Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has defended the administration’s economic reforms, saying the President made difficult decisions to prevent Nigeria from sliding into fiscal collapse.

    Onanuga made the remarks in an opinion article titled, “Bola Tinubu: the man who took the bullet for Nigeria to survive,” released as Tinubu marks his third year in office on Friday.

    Onanuga Defends Tinubu’s Economic Decisions

    According to the presidential aide, Tinubu inherited a struggling economy plagued by petrol scarcity, multiple exchange rates, rising debt servicing, low government revenue, and an unsustainable fuel subsidy regime.

    He argued that the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira were painful but necessary reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and preventing further financial crisis.

    “The man who has taken the bullets to make Nigeria survive a fiscal disaster is even more willing to take additional bullets to make all Nigerians safe,” Onanuga stated.

    He added that the reforms had significantly improved allocations to states and local governments, enabling many state governments to pay salaries and execute projects.

    States Benefiting From Increased Allocations

    Onanuga claimed governors across different states had acknowledged improvements in state finances since the reforms began.

    “In every state I have visited, I have seen this development. Ogun, my state, Oyo, Nasarawa, Enugu, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, and others have witnessed development projects spring up,” he said.

    He also stated that local government areas would benefit further once direct allocations from the Federation Account fully commence.

    The presidential spokesman dismissed allegations that opposition governors defecting to the APC were induced financially.

    According to him, many governors joined the ruling party because of what they viewed as positive economic changes under Tinubu’s administration.

    Stock Market Growth, Infrastructure Highlighted

    Onanuga further pointed to developments in the Nigerian stock market as evidence of economic recovery.

    He said the All-Share Index had increased from about 53,000 points in May 2023 to around 250,000 points, while market capitalisation rose from ₦30 trillion to ₦160 trillion.

    The presidential aide also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, rail modernisation initiatives, and reforms in the oil and gas sector.

    He added that the government had expanded access to student loans through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and introduced consumer credit initiatives under CREDICORP.

    On Insecurity Challenges

    Despite defending the administration’s achievements, Onanuga admitted that insecurity remains a serious challenge in parts of the country.

    He said the government continues to support security agencies with equipment, intelligence cooperation, and other resources aimed at tackling terrorism, banditry, and violent crimes.

    According to him, historians would eventually remember the Tinubu administration for implementing “historic reforms” and major infrastructure projects designed to reposition Nigeria’s economy.

    The statement comes amid continued public debate over the impact of Tinubu’s economic policies on inflation, cost of living, unemployment, and insecurity since he assumed office in May 2023.

  • VDM Fires Back At Bayo Onanuga Over Arrest Call, Alleges Plot To Silence Him

    Social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM), has reacted strongly after presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga allegedly called for legal action against him over a viral fake voice note linked to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The controversy followed a statement credited to Onanuga on Wednesday, where the presidential aide reportedly demanded that VDM face the law over the circulation of an alleged fake audio involving the president.

    VDM Alleges Attempt To “Cage” Him

    In a lengthy statement shared on social media, Verydarkman accused Onanuga of deliberately spreading false information against him in a bid to create grounds to silence him.

    According to the activist, the move was allegedly driven by personal hatred and frustration over his outspoken criticism of issues affecting the country.

    “It’s been over 24 hours since the no brain Bayo Onanuga, who unfortunately is the spokesperson of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who also sadly is the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, came out to spread false information about me in order to enable him have the opportunity to cage me,” he said.

    ‘Their Plan Failed’

    VDM further claimed that those allegedly behind the move believed they finally had an opportunity to bring him down, but insisted their plans failed.

    “As the ancestors will have it, their whole plan failed before their eyes,” he added.

    The activist argued that several major national issues have trended online without attracting reactions from government officials, yet attention was suddenly shifted toward him over the viral controversy.

    “When I read that tweet he made, it was obvious it came from hate. In his mind, he believes that this boy don enter hand. Time don reach,” he said.

    Controversy Over Viral Audio

    The development comes days after a manipulated audio clip allegedly linked to President Tinubu circulated widely on social media.

    Several online users had earlier claimed that the audio was AI-generated and superimposed on a previous VDM video by unknown individuals.

    The controversy has continued to generate heated reactions online, with supporters of the activist accusing government officials of targeting critics, while others insisted that fake and manipulated content should attract legal consequences.

    The incident has also renewed conversations around AI-generated misinformation, social media regulation, and political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • Deji Adeyanju Defends VDM, Faults Presidency Over Viral AI Audio Allegation

    Lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has reacted to calls by the Presidency for legal action against social critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, over a viral audio clip allegedly linked to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The reaction follows a statement on X by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who accused VDM of being the “conveyor and disseminator” of a fake audio recording and called for legal action.

    Onanuga Calls for Legal Action

    Onanuga described the circulation of the clip as an “egregious abuse of the social media platform,” insisting that VDM should be held accountable for spreading false content.

    The controversial footage reportedly shows an AI-generated audio layered over a video involving VDM, creating the impression of a presidential statement on the 2027 election and opposition figures, including Peter Obi.

    Adeyanju Speaks on VDM’s Behalf

    Reacting to the development, Adeyanju insisted that VDM neither created nor shared the alleged audio.

    He said verification of VDM’s official platforms would have shown he had no link to the content, adding that the accusations were made without proper fact-checking.

    Adeyanju faulted the Presidency’s reaction, describing it as premature and capable of misleading the public.

    Calls for Investigation

    The lawyer urged security agencies to investigate the origin of the manipulated audio and ensure those responsible are identified and prosecuted.

    He maintained that the incident highlights the growing threat of AI-generated misinformation in Nigeria’s digital space.

    As of press time, no formal charges have been filed against VDM.

  • VeryDarkMan Slams Bayo Onanuga Over Viral Audio Row, Says Focus Should Be on Insecurity

    Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has reacted angrily to the viral audio controversy allegedly linked to him, criticising presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga over his recent comments on the issue.

    In a video shared online, VeryDarkMan said he received multiple urgent calls during a business meeting alerting him to a post made by the presidential aide regarding the trending voice note.

    He described the reaction surrounding the audio as excessive, arguing that more urgent national issues such as insecurity and kidnappings were being ignored in the process.

    “Focus Should Be on Insecurity”

    The activist referenced recent abductions of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, questioning the level of attention given to such incidents compared to the viral audio controversy.

    He also expressed frustration over the situation of the abducted victims, noting that their whereabouts remain unknown.

    According to him, national priorities have been misplaced amid the online controversy.

    “You Are Trying to Silence Me”

    VeryDarkMan further alleged that the backlash around the viral audio was being used as a deliberate attempt to silence him, insisting that he would not back down from speaking on national issues.

    “The amount of calls I received while in a business meeting… immediately I read the post, I clicked and listened to the video,” he said.

    He added that insecurity remains a far more serious concern than the trending audio controversy.

    He also questioned the silence of officials on the abduction of teachers and students, referencing the ongoing uncertainty surrounding their safety, particularly on Children’s Day.

    As of the time of this report, the Presidency has not issued a fresh response to VeryDarkMan’s latest remarks.

    The incident adds another layer to the ongoing debate around the viral audio, digital misinformation, and rising insecurity across parts of Nigeria.

  • Presidency Demands Legal Action Against VeryDarkMan Over Alleged AI-Generated Tinubu Audio

    The Presidency has called for legal action against social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over an alleged AI-generated audio clip falsely linked to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The controversy followed the circulation of a manipulated video online containing a fake audio allegedly mimicking the President’s voice.

    Presidency Reacts To Viral AI Audio

    Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, condemned the incident in a post shared on X.

    According to him, the circulation of the clip amounted to a serious abuse of social media platforms.

    “This VDM needs to face the weight of the law for being the conveyor and disseminator of a fake audio of President Tinubu,” Onanuga wrote.

    The presidential aide accused the activist of spreading false content capable of misleading members of the public.

    How The Controversy Started

    Reports indicated that the manipulated clip originated from an earlier Instagram video shared by VDM on May 25, 2026.

    In the original video, the activist reportedly reacted to comments about his necklace while also playing an old campaign clip of President Tinubu discussing electricity issues.

    However, an unidentified individual later edited the footage and inserted an AI-generated voice designed to sound like the President.

    The doctored version falsely suggested that Tinubu made controversial political comments regarding the 2027 election, insecurity and opposition figures.

    Fact-Checkers Debunk Viral Audio

    Several media organisations and fact-checking platforms reportedly confirmed that the viral audio was manipulated using artificial intelligence tools.

    The reports stated that the controversial statements were absent from VDM’s original upload.

    The fake audio allegedly contained claims about Tinubu remaining in office beyond opposition efforts, references to insecurity in parts of the country and comments involving former presidential candidate Peter Obi.

    VDM’s Lawyers Deny Involvement

    VDM’s legal representatives, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, denied allegations linking their client to the fabricated audio.

    The legal team accused the Presidency of allegedly reacting without proper verification and maintained that the activist neither created nor distributed the manipulated version.

    The controversy has since triggered debates online about misinformation, political propaganda and the growing use of AI-generated deepfakes in Nigeria’s digital space ahead of the 2027 elections.

    As of Wednesday, no official criminal charge had been publicly filed against the activist.

  • Presidency Defends Reported Killing Of ISWAP Commander Al-Manuki Amid Doubts

    The Presidency has defended reports surrounding the killing of senior ISWAP commander Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, insisting that the joint Nigerian-American operation was credible and backed by extensive intelligence gathering.

    In a statement shared on X, Bayo Onanuga said the controversy trailing the operation exposed the gap between public scepticism and the realities of modern counterterrorism operations.

    Presidency Addresses Public Doubts

    According to Onanuga, critics quickly questioned the authenticity of the operation after reports emerged that the ISWAP leader had been eliminated.

    He noted that Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok or Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, had previously appeared on lists of insurgent commanders reportedly killed in 2024 during operations around Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State.

    However, security officials now believe the earlier report was a case of mistaken identity or inaccurate battlefield assessment.

    “Importantly, intelligence now confirms that the Birnin Gwari theatre was never within Al-Manuki’s established operational sphere, which negates the accuracy of the earlier assessment,” the statement read.

    Months Of Surveillance Before Operation

    The Presidency disclosed that the latest operation followed months of coordinated intelligence efforts involving surveillance, phone intercepts, digital tracking and human intelligence.

    According to the statement, the operation was built on Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance efforts that reportedly started in December 2025.

    Security sources said authorities initially attempted to capture the ISWAP commander alive before the mission eventually shifted to a final strike operation.

    The statement further revealed that Al-Manuki had allegedly been tracked across different locations, including Abuja and Maiduguri, shortly before the operation.

    ‘This Time, There Is No Ambiguity’

    Onanuga stated that unlike previous cases, security agencies applied multiple layers of verification before approving the operation.

    Officials reportedly insisted that the latest strike was carried out with a higher level of precision and target validation.

    “In their assessment, this time, there is no ambiguity,” the statement added.

    The Presidency also acknowledged that global counterterrorism operations have sometimes produced mistaken reports regarding the deaths of major insurgent leaders.

    It referenced previous uncertainty surrounding the reported deaths of insurgent leaders such as Abubakar Shekau and ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

    Warning Against Undermining Security Operations

    The statement warned that dismissing military operations without evidence could weaken public confidence and affect morale among security operatives.

    According to security officials, Nigerian forces and their international partners are operating in one of the world’s most difficult insurgency environments where terrorists frequently use aliases and move across borders.

    The Presidency maintained that the operation against Al-Manuki remains a “validated, intelligence-driven success” against the Islamic State network.

  • Presidency Attacks Peter Obi Over One-Term Presidency Promise

    The Presidency has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his reported promise to serve only one term if elected president in 2027.

    Obi made the statement in a clip from an interview scheduled to air on News Central TV on Thursday, where he insisted he would leave office after four years.

    “I’ll Leave After Four Years”

    In the viral interview clip, Obi said Nigeria needed stability and vowed not to remain in office beyond a single term.

    “I want to be a one-term president because of stability. I would not stay a day, with a gun to my head, longer than four years,” he said.

    The former Anambra governor also criticised the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly rising living costs and continued borrowing.

    According to Obi, Nigeria is currently facing one of its toughest economic periods in recent history.

    Presidency Fires Back

    Reacting to the comments, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed Obi’s promise as unreliable.

    In a post shared on X early Thursday, Onanuga said Nigerians should not trust Obi’s pledge to serve only one term.

    “If you believe Peter Obi’s promise to serve only one term as president, you’ll believe anything,” he wrote.

    The presidential aide accused Obi of repeatedly abandoning political platforms despite previous loyalty vows.

    Onanuga Questions Obi’s Political Loyalty

    According to Onanuga, Obi had previously sworn loyalty to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) before eventually leaving the party.

    “Consider his record: while in APGA, he famously placed himself under a self-curse, vowing never to leave the party that made him governor,” he said.

    “He gave his word to the Ikemba, even on his deathbed, swearing loyalty and fidelity to APGA.”

    Onanuga added that Obi later dumped APGA for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and subsequently moved to other political platforms.

    “By his own actions, Peter Obi has shown that his word cannot be trusted. His promises are as fleeting as his political allegiances,” he stated.

    2027 Political Tension Rising

    Obi contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and finished behind President Tinubu of the APC and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the PDP.

    Since the election, the former governor has remained one of the leading opposition voices, frequently criticising the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms and governance policies.

  • Presidency Blasts Peter Obi Over ADC Exit, Labels Him ‘Political Nomad’

    The Presidency has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi over his decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Onanuga attacks Obi’s political move

    Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Obi’s defection as proof of political inconsistency.

    Reacting via his X handle on Sunday, Onanuga said the move confirmed earlier claims about Obi’s political approach.

    “We told you so. The political nomad is on the move again,” he said.

    Obi cites internal crisis for exit

    Obi had earlier announced his departure from the ADC, pointing to internal disputes, legal battles, and what he described as a hostile political environment.

    He maintained that his decision was not due to personal disagreements with party leaders, including David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

    The former Anambra governor said recurring crises within the party influenced his exit, adding that leadership should be about service, not personal ambition.

    Presidency questions motive behind defection

    Onanuga dismissed Obi’s explanation, describing it as self-serving and aimed at his supporters.

    He accused the former governor of avoiding competition within the ADC.

    “Peter Obi is a politician made of jelly, an opportunistic fellow. He can’t fight Atiku or Amaechi for the ticket of ADC,” he said.

    According to him, Obi chose what he described as an easier political path by moving to another platform.

    Doubts raised over 2027 chances

    The presidential aide added that Obi’s latest move does not guarantee success in the next election cycle.

    “He pursues the easy road, that will only lead him to doom, like in 2023,” Onanuga stated.

    He also accused Obi of blaming the government instead of reflecting on his own political decisions.

    Political alignments ahead of 2027

    Obi’s defection is expected to influence opposition dynamics as parties begin early positioning for the 2027 general elections.

    Onanuga concluded his remarks by welcoming the former governor into the race.

    “Welcome, Peter to the 2027 race,” he added.