Presidential media adviser Bayo Onanuga has ignited widespread outrage after dismissing the level of hunger and insecurity in Nigeria during a television interview. His remarks, which also suggested that media reports of banditry and kidnapping are exaggerated, have drawn sharp criticism from Nigerians who view them as a betrayal of his legacy as a pro-democracy journalist.
Onanuga, a veteran journalist who fought against military autocracy, stated, “I don’t see the level of hunger people are talking about,” and claimed that insecurity reporting makes it seem “as if the entire country is consumed.” Critics argue that such comments downplay the abduction of 39 pupils and teachers and the murder of Michael Oyedokun, among other atrocities.
Historical Betrayal and Yoruba Wisdom
Commentators have invoked Yoruba proverbs to illustrate Onanuga’s fall from grace. One compares him to someone who mistakenly cooks both edible and poisonous vegetables together, ruining the meal. Another proverb asks, “Broken bottle on our forehead, bludgeon on the back; Is this how they play comradeship at the Ede market?”—a lament over betrayal by a trusted ally.
Onanuga’s past heroism includes defying General Ibrahim Babangida in 1992, when he refused to apologize for a critical cover story, resigning instead. He later co-founded TheNews, declaring a commitment to “truth, justice and good government.” Now, as an adviser to President Bola Tinubu, his dismissal of public suffering is seen as a stark reversal.
Echoes of Past Denials
Onanuga’s comments are compared to those of Umaru Dikko, a minister under Shehu Shagari who said he could not believe Nigerians were hungry because they had not yet eaten from dustbins. Similarly, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu recently suggested women start roasting corn or frying akara to cope with economic hardship, provoking outrage.
The article warns that such statements reflect a government disconnected from reality, citing historical figures like Tafawa Balewa, who ignored the Western Region crisis and was later killed in a coup. The Yoruba deity Olúbọbọtiribọ, the god of the mouth, is said to punish those who misuse their speech, as seen in the downfall of Dikko and others.
State Police and Governor Uba Sani’s Stance
In a related development, President Tinubu has accelerated the state police bill, which aims to decentralize policing. However, concerns remain about federal financial control and potential abuse by governors. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, speaking on Channels Television, declared that bandits and terrorists “must be eliminated,” criticizing amnesty policies that reward killers.
“Anyone who deliberately takes lives and destroys communities is not deserving of leniency,” Sani said. “They are terrorists. They have no right to live; they must be eliminated.” His stance contrasts with the Tinubu administration’s alleged payment of ransoms and negotiation with terrorists, which critics say undermines security efforts.
Conclusion: A Test of Leadership
As Nigerians grapple with rising hunger and insecurity, Onanuga’s remarks and the government’s response have deepened public distrust. The article concludes that the Tinubu administration must heed the lessons of history, where denial of suffering has led to political ruin. Whether the state police bill will improve accountability remains to be seen, but the burden of proof now lies with state governors.
