A WhatsApp message allegedly from Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga has stirred controversy after he privately urged a prominent journalist to delete social media posts critical of President Bola Tinubu.
The journalist, who had referred to President Tinubu as a “criminal” in reaction to his recent comments during a speech in Brazil—where the president claimed “there is no more corruption in Nigeria”—revealed the exchange publicly after receiving no objection from Onanuga.
In the message sent on August 26, Onanuga argued that the journalist had misunderstood Tinubu’s remarks, which he claimed were limited to improvements in the process of foreign exchange access, not a blanket claim about corruption in Nigeria.
“You truly misfired,” Onanuga wrote. “I will advise that you delete the contentious post.”
The journalist fired back, accusing Onanuga of attempting to police public interpretation of a public statement.
“I am surprised that you consider it appropriate to dictate to citizens like me how to interpret what is already in the public domain,” he replied, adding that critics of Tinubu often face harassment by state agencies and political thugs. “Your request reflects not only poor judgment but also the mindset of the principal you represent.”
He noted that his decades-long relationship with Onanuga—dating back to the days of Tempo, The News, and PM News—may explain the spokesperson’s decision to send a private appeal. However, Onanuga did not respond to a request for consent to make the exchange public.
The incident raises broader concerns about freedom of expression under Tinubu’s administration, especially in a climate where critics allege increasing intimidation by security agencies.
The Presidency has yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter.
