Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga reportedly contacted activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore over social media posts in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a criminal, following the president’s recent speech in Brazil.

In a message sent via WhatsApp, Onanuga requested that Sowore delete his posts, arguing that they misrepresented the president’s comments on corruption. According to Onanuga, Tinubu was referring specifically to the process of sourcing foreign exchange, not corruption more broadly.

“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,” the WhatsApp message read.

Sowore responded, emphasising his right to interpret publicly available information. “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,” he wrote.

Sowore also provided context for the exchange, noting a long professional history with Onanuga. “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 SaharaReporters, I even moonlighted as a Special Correspondent for The News, working alongside Kunle Ajibade and Babafemi Ojudu to produce some of the hottest stories of that era,” he explained.

According to Sowore, he sought Onanuga’s permission to make their exchange public, but did not receive a response.