Sowore reveals Onanuga’s message to him to delete his tweet and his reply

Joseph Irikefe

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, wrote directly to me on WhatsApp, asking that I delete my tweet and Facebook post in which I referred to President Bola Tinubu as a criminal based on Tinubu’s recent speech in Brazil, where he claimed that there is “no more corruption in Nigeria.”

Omoyele Sowore, publisher and political activist wrote on his Facebook account on Tuesday.

Continuing on his altercation with the president’s spokesman, he said “Onanuga argued that my interpretation was a “misfire,” claiming Tinubu was only referring to the process of sourcing foreign exchange and not corruption as a whole. He even cited examples from business figures like Samad Rabiu to defend his point, and then advised me to delete my post.

Here is his WhatsApp message to me: 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.

And here is my response:

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.

Nota Bene:* I have known Bayo Onanuga for many decades. Back when I was a student leader in Lagos, Tempo, The News, and PM News were our go-to platforms. Later, before founding Sahara Reporters, I even moonlighted as a “Special Correspondent” for The News, working alongside Kunle Ajibade, Bamidele Johnson, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju and Ojudu Babafemi to produce some of the hottest stories of that era.

This clarification is necessary because it explains why Mr. Onanuga may have chosen to write me a private message over my recent post. Out of respect, I sought his permission to make our exchange public, but he did not reply.