Onanuga Trends over Double Appearance on Inside Sources, Sunday Politics

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, stirred debate on X (formerly Twitter) after his recent appearances on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande and Sunday Politics both on Channels TV. During his Sunday appearances, Onanuga discussed among others economic growth, inflation, and the recent acquisition of a presidential jet […]

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, stirred debate on X (formerly Twitter) after his recent appearances on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande and Sunday Politics both on Channels TV.

During his Sunday appearances, Onanuga discussed among others economic growth, inflation, and the recent acquisition of a presidential jet —remarks that quickly became a flashpoint for criticism on social media.

While on Inside Sources, Onanuga defended President Tinubu’s economic vision under the “Renewed Hope” agenda. He highlighted the president’s commitment to diversifying Nigeria’s economy, with an ambitious goal to grow the GDP to a trillion dollars.

“It was not for a joke that President Tinubu campaigned on the Renewed Hope agenda. The goal is clear—to drive Nigeria’s economy towards a diversified trillion-dollar GDP,” Onanuga stated, underscoring the administration’s intent to transform Nigeria from an oil-dependent nation into a thriving, multifaceted economy.

Switching to the topic of the recent purchase of a presidential jet, Onanuga argued that the 20-year-old aircraft previously used had become increasingly costly to maintain and a potential safety concern. “Safety was paramount when the National Assembly approved a new aircraft,” he noted, adding that the decision was not one of extravagance but of necessity.

Onanuga also addressed recent cabinet changes, particularly the suspension of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, during his appearance on Sunday Politics. In reference to her exit, he said, “She’s gone. Her position has been taken over by somebody else,” confirming that her departure aligned with the government’s broader reshuffling agenda.

However, Onanuga’s remarks quickly sparked intense backlash from X users. Many voiced frustration, viewing his statements as an attempt to downplay the impact of high inflation on the Nigerian public. Despite his assertion that economic growth persisted, critics argued that his remarks failed to account for the daily struggles faced by Nigerians dealing with steep price hikes and stagnant incomes.

The online reaction was swift and critical, with many suggesting Onanuga’s commentary was out of touch. Prominent among the responses was a tweet from @newbreed1914, who questioned the logic behind Onanuga’s remarks: “Isn’t this a sign of chronic mental illness being displayed by Bayo Onanuga? How long do they want to continue deceiving themselves with these exhibitions of shame? If there is economic growth why doesn’t it have a corresponding impact on inflation?”

Another user, @ugo_ihejirika, remarked, “Bayo Onanuga claims there is economic growth in spite of inflation. What we see and feel is the cold hands of economic strangulation!”

Several users called for Onanuga to reconsider his stance, arguing that defending the administration in this manner was tarnishing his credibility. One user, @Cloud9_Yoh, tweeted, “I think it’s time Bayo Onanuga stopped embarrassing himself trying to defend this Orishirishi government.” For others, Onanuga’s statements went beyond embarrassment; some suggested he was part of a larger issue. User @omimika tweeted, “At this rate, we can now certainly say that BAYO ONANUGA is actually the problem. He is the enemy of Nigeria and Nigerians, for shielding the truth and the terrible situation in the country from Bola Gbajue Tinubu, through deliberate falsehood, DECEPTION, and misleading write-ups.”

A few users went further, casting doubt on Onanuga’s familiarity with the administration’s policies. @ikecenaexcel tweeted, “For anyone expecting truth from Bayo Onanuga, may you live to find out that you cannot find any.” Similarly, @Ify_Zoe added, “Bayo Onanuga doesn’t even have a working knowledge of the president’s cabinet. Such a shame. Just fumbling, I think… I think…”

Many Nigerians are feeling the pressure of inflation and stagnant wages, while officials speak optimistically about economic reforms and high-level agendas.