President Tinubu’s announcement of his two-week vacation in France has drawn widespread criticism, as it comes at a time when Nigeria faces severe economic turmoil, including rising fuel prices, inflation, and insecurity. Responding to the backlash, Onanuga defended the President’s decision, stating that Tinubu is entitled to his “private time” and can travel wherever he desires during his leave.
READ MORE: Tinubu heads to Paris for key engagement
Onanuga’s statement read: “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.”
President Tinubu is on leave for two weeks. He is not restricted to the UK. It is his private time. He can go to anywhere he so desires. He is still observing his leave. pic.twitter.com/eUpbwZPxya
— Bayo Onanuga (@aonanuga1956) October 11, 2024
Tinubu had at the start of October, a day after Nigeria’s low key October 1 Independence Day celebrations, departed Abuja for the United Kingdom to begin a two-week vacation. The Presidency said it was part of his yearly leave.
However, Shaibu, the Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku, condemned this response as “insensitive,” pointing out that the President’s decision to vacation abroad while the country is in crisis sends the wrong message to struggling Nigerians.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Shaibu mocked Onanuga, saying: “Onanuga needs help.” He added: “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.”
Shaibu further criticised the Presidency for what he termed a “disconnect” between the government and the plight of Nigerians. “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,” Shaibu stated.
READ MORE: Tinubu travels to UK for vacation
He added: “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.”
.@officialABAT 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…
— phrank Shaibu (@phrankangel) October 13, 2024
Shaibu’s remarks underscored the growing frustration with the Presidency, accusing Onanuga and Tinubu of treating the country’s leadership like a “travel agency” instead of fulfilling their obligations during a time of national crisis.
