In a spirited defense of President Bola Tinubu, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has insisted that the President is not insensitive to the hardships faced by Nigerians, despite being labeled “T-Pain” on social media.
Onanuga made these remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, emphasizing that Tinubu empathizes with the struggles of the citizens and is dedicated to improving their circumstances.
“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,” Onanuga stated.
The nickname “T-Pain,” a reference to the American rapper known for his auto-tuned vocals, has been used by some online critics to mock the President’s perceived unresponsiveness to the nation’s economic challenges.
In response, Onanuga asserted, “Some people out of mischief just say somebody is a T-Pain. He (Tinubu) is not T-Pain.”
Acknowledging the current difficulties faced by Nigerians, Onanuga remarked, “The President is aware that the citizens are going through some difficulties,” and stressed that Tinubu’s administration is committed to “repairing the economy” rather than inflicting further pain on the populace.
Despite the galloping inflation affecting food and energy prices, which have quadrupled over the past year, Onanuga claimed that Nigeria is experiencing economic growth, saying, “Despite inflation, revenues have increased.”
He highlighted the government’s stance that the recent policies, including the removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of forex rates, are necessary for long-term stability, even as citizens have taken to the streets in protest against rising living costs.
With two major protests already staged, citizens are demanding a reversal of these policies, but the Tinubu administration remains firm in its commitment to the reforms.
“As far as I am concerned, it is a non-issue,” Onanuga said of the social media criticism, reiterating that the government is focused on the challenges at hand and is working diligently to address them.