Special adviser to the President on information and strategy Bayo Onanuga has advised African Action Congress (AAC) 2023 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to delete his social media post in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a criminal.
Mr Sowore disclosed this in a post on X on Tuesday, saying Mr Onanuga contacted him directly over the post.
In a WhatsApp message shared by Sowore, Onanuga said the activist misinterpreted Tinubu’s comment in Brazil.
He explained that the President was referring specifically to the process of sourcing foreign exchange and not corruption in general.
Onanuga wrote, “Good afternoon. Your August 26 tweet that the DSS is complaining about is anchored on a total misinterpretation of what the President said in Brazil. He said there was no more corruption regarding sourcing foreign exchange and that you do not need to know CBN Governor Cardoso to get forex. Prominent business people like Samad Rabiu have all given testimony about this. That was what he meant. Nothing more. You truly misfired. I will advise that you delete the contentious post. Good afternoon.”
Responding, Sowore rejected the request and insisted his interpretation was valid.
He wrote, “Good afternoon. I am surprised that you consider it appropriate to dictate to citizens like me how to interpret what is already in the public domain, especially when it comes to videos and matters that touch on the State of the Nation.
“What is more troubling is that in Nigeria today, anyone who dares to criticise the President is instantly subjected to harassment by the DSS, political thugs, and every coercive instrument the state can muster. I once thought perhaps you were unaware of such abuse, but it is now clear you are complicit.
“In this regard, it is you who has misfired. Your request reflects not only poor judgment but also the mindset of the principal you represent.”
Sowore added that he has known Onanuga for decades, recalling their work together during his student activism years and in his days as a journalist before founding SaharaReporters.
He also stated that out of respect, he sought Onanuga’s permission to make their exchange public, but did not receive a reply.
