Frank Shaibu, the former vice president’s special assistant on public communication, has criticized Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson, for praising his principal over the national honors after his role in securing democracy and fighting to have the June 12 election results revoked.
Shaibu reportedly reminded Onanuga of his opposition to military rule and his ability to speak truth to power in his response to his 𝕏 post.
Nevertheless, Atiku’s aide pointed out that Onanuga has chosen to back a regime whose policies mirror the persecution he previously opposed, abandoning the honorable course of speaking up for the people.
Shaibu claims that Onanuga spins propaganda for a government that rules with impunity, laughing at the agony of Nigerians and rationalizing it.
Although Onanuga initially supported the battle for democracy, his aide pointed out that he has subsequently switched sides.
“Dear Bayo,” he wrote. With TheNews and Tempo, you might have participated in the media resistance during the June 12 conflict. You spoke truth to authority and resisted military oppression. History has already set down a place for you among the champions of democracy because of that. But you don’t follow that honorable road anymore.
“Now, you speak for a government whose policies mirror the identical oppression you once opposed, not the people. You support measures that make poverty worse, justify ineptitude, and make dictatorship possible. You make fun of the plight of Nigerians, justify their misery, and spread propaganda for a government that can rule without consequence. On June 12, that was not the point.
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“So, may I ask if you are deserving of being recognized as a June 12 hero?
June 12 was a day, but it was also a moral revolt. It was centered on the people’s will, patriot sacrifice, and defiance of authoritarianism. The people who are worthy of wearing its insignia must uphold its principles not only during the conflict but also after it is over and truth becomes inconvenient.
“Is a man who now supports oppression considered to be one of the oppressed? On the altar of justice, can someone who justifies wrong be exalted?
It would be a desecration of the memories of Alfred Rewane, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Kudirat Abiola, and the millions who longed for a better Nigeria to reward you with a CON under the June 12 banner. Bayo, even though you were on the sidelines at the start of the battle, you have now switched sides.
Honor involves standing where you stand when it counts most, not just where you were in the past. Moreover, you oppose the people now rather than standing with them. A badge of betrayal, not a national honor, is what you ought to wear.
