The Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Phrank Shaibu, and President Bola Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, engaged in a heated exchange on Sunday over the president’s recent travel from the United Kingdom to France.
Shaibu criticized Tinubu’s frequent trips abroad, asserting that the Federal Government should not serve as a “travel agency” for the president.
Tinubu’s recent two-week vacation to France has sparked controversy, with many accusing him of neglecting his responsibilities amid the country’s economic challenges.
In defense of the president, Onanuga argued that Tinubu is entitled to enjoy his “private time” during his leave.
“President Tinubu is on leave for two weeks. He is not restricted to the UK. It is his private time, and he can go anywhere he desires.
He is still observing his leave,” Onanuga stated.
Shaibu, however, responded with sharp criticism, calling Onanuga’s remarks insensitive given Nigeria’s current economic hardships.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Shaibu lampooned the presidential spokesman:
“Onanuga needs help. The president is on vacation and can jet off wherever his heart desires because apparently, leadership is like a Netflix subscription – you can pause it whenever you please.
“While Nigerians grapple with fuel price hikes, inflation, insecurity, and a crumbling economy, we’re told not to worry because it’s his private time.
This Onanuga of a ‘boy’ needs help.”
Shaibu further criticized the disparity between government expectations of citizens and the indulgences at the top.
“It’s ironic that the same office demanding sacrifices from Nigerians—tightening belts, paying higher taxes, and enduring hardships—has become a playground for personal indulgence,” he said.
“Public office isn’t a personal getaway; it’s a duty that demands accountability 24/7, even during leave.”
He concluded by stating that Onanuga’s dismissal of the controversy reflects a troubling indifference toward the citizens’ concerns.
“Nigerians deserve leadership that matches the gravity of the challenges they face, not one that treats the presidency like a travel agency,” Shaibu added.
The exchange highlights the growing public discontent over Tinubu’s foreign travels amid widespread economic hardship in the country.
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