On Saturday, October 12, Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesman to President Bola Tinubu, felt the wrath of Nigerians after his comments regarding President Bola Tinubu’s recent travels.
Trouble started when the senior special assistant to the president on political matters, Ibrahim Kabir Masari, revealed that President Tinubu had left the United Kingdom, where he was initially scheduled for a two-week vacation, for Paris, France.
To make matters worse, the Presidency failed to revealed the purpose of the trip.
In response to the unfolding situation, Onanuga took to social media to share a piece of his mind.
Private Time
He tweeted: “President Tinubu is on leave for two weeks. He is not restricted to the UK.
It is his private time. He can go anywhere he so desires. He is still observing his leave.”
Trust Nigerians, this comment was like pouring fuel into an already burning fire.
Immediately, many Nigerians criticised him for overlooking the fact that the president’s trips are funded by taxpayers.
Social media users quickly pointed out that while Tinubu may have the liberty to travel, the use of public funds for personal vacations raises concerns about transparency and accountability in government spending.
See some reactions below:
@OfficiaEdoOsasB: “UK prime minister always hangout in Ikoyi and banana Island for his holiday. Nigerians should take a chill pill and enjoy Tinubu wonderful policies.”
@oteessolutions1: “You actually sound like you’re depressed and having anxiety problems.”
@TimedFrank: “And who’s fighting with you? Why this combative tone?
Is the pressure getting to you? Take it easy abeg. Oya clean the sweat from your forehead and relax.”
Also Read: Tinubu Ends UK Trip After 9 Days, Jets Off To France
@djokaymegamixer: “..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?”
A Slap On Nigerians
@Morris_Monye: “Mr. Bayo Onanuga saying the President can go anywhere he likes and do whatever he pleases during his leave is a big slap on Nigerians
“Is it not the country’s Jet, fuel, resources that he is using for his personal leave?
“Did he use his personal jet or fly first class?
“It is still our resources paid by taxpayers fund that he’s doing all that.
“There needs to be maturity in speaking to Nigerians.”
@Udoh_D: “Is he using his private jet to travel around the globe on his private time, or is he spending government money?”