The Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Phrank Shaibu and President Bola Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga on Sunday traded tackles over the president’s trip from the United Kingdom, UK, to France.
Shaibu informed Onanuga that the Federal Government is not a travel agency for Tinubu to globetrot.
Tinubu had announced a 2-week vacation when he travelled to France recently, a decision that has generated heated controversy about the President abandoning the country in a time of all-around economic turmoil.
Onanuga said the President should not be disturbed from enjoying his “private time.”
According to Onanuga, “President Tinubu is on leave for two weeks. He is not restricted to the UK. It is his private time. He can go anywhere he so desires. He is still observing his leave”.
However, Shaibu lampooned Onanuga, describing his comments as insensitive in light of the present economic situation in the county.
Responding to Onanuga via a post on X, Shaibu wrote: “Onanuga Needs Help. The president is on vacation and can jet off to wherever his heart desires because apparently, leadership is like a Netflix subscription – you can pause it whenever you please.
“While Nigerians grapple with fuel price hikes, inflation, insecurity, and a crumbling economy, we’re told not to worry because, well, it’s his private time…this Onanuga of a ‘boy’ needs help”.
“It’s funny how the same office that demands sacrifices from citizens – tightening belts, paying more taxes, enduring hardships – suddenly becomes a playground of personal indulgence at the top.
“Public office isn’t a personal getaway; it’s a duty that requires being accountable 24/7, even on leave”.
He said Onanuga telling Nigerians that his principal can “go anywhere” reeks of indifference as if the citizens’ are nothing but some inconsequential afterthought.
He added: “Nigerians deserve leadership that matches the gravity of the challenges they face, not one that treats the presidency like a travel agency.”