Special Assistant to the former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Phrank Shaibu, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga over his response to an editorial by The Guardian newspaper.
Shaibu said Onanuga can’t attempt to “shoot the messenger” when Nigerians are tired of the economic hardship in the country.
Onanuga had said The Guardian newspaper’s editorial, ‘Calls for military intervention: misery, harsh policies driving Nigerians to desperate choices’, openly incited unrest against Tinubu’s administration.
He accused the news platform of advocating for a regime change under the guise of journalism.
Onanuga said: “The inflammatory headline, cartoon and content deviate from responsible reporting.”
Reacting to the presidential spokesman’s response, Shaibu said the platform didn’t incite unrest but only mirrored reality in the country.
Posting on X, Shaibu wrote: “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.”
‘You can’t shoot the messenger’ – Atiku’s aide knocks Onanuga over Guardian editorial