The president’s allegations in a publication that cited disturbance against President Bola Tinubu’s administration have been addressed by Phrank Shiabu, special assistant to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
According to a statement released on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, there is no basis for inciting demands for military intervention based on the temporary challenges and sufferings that Nigerians are facing.
Speaking against the backdrop of a Guardian Newspaper story, Onanuga claimed the author is disregarding the principles of responsible media while stoking the flames of military involvement in the name of journalism.
The platform was charged by the presidential spokesman of spreading false information on the policies and acts of President Tinubu’s government.
Phrank Shaibu responded to the tweet by saying that it accurately reflected the sentiments of the general population, emphasising that Nigerians are fed up with the status of the economy.
Instead of urging Nigerians to wait while living expenses keep rising, Atiku’s assistant asked Tinubu’s administration to solve the problems they face.
He said, “Dear @aonanuga1956 How convenient it is to shoot the messenger when the message hits a little too close to home. The Guardian dared to do what any responsible news outlet should — reflect the reality of the average Nigerian, who, by the way, is not living in the fantasy land of “economic growth” you keep talking about.
“The Guardian Newspapers didn’t incite unrest; it simply held up a mirror. If you don’t like the reflection, maybe it’s time to ask why the image is so grim, instead of blaming those who dare to speak up. Telling the truth isn’t stirring up trouble — it’s the first step to solving it. But perhaps that’s precisely the problem: truth doesn’t fit into your neatly packaged narratives, does it?
“The truth is, Nigerians are tired. Tired of being told to be patient while the cost of living soars, tired of being fed selective data while struggling to survive, and tired of empty assurances that never put food on the table. Maybe instead of attacking the press for doing its job, it’s time to address why things are so bad that people are even considering the unthinkable.
“This isn’t about inciting unrest; it’s about the harsh reality on the ground. And if you think that ignoring it will make it go away, then you’re more out of touch than we thought.”