Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the comment of Bayo Onanuga on the vacation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Reactions had trailed the departure of the President from the United Kingdom to France who is still on a two-week leave.
But Onanuga who is the Special Adviser to Tinubu on Information and Strategy, had justified the president action in a statement.
According to him, “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”.
However, on Sunday, Shaibu took a swipe at Onanuga describing the comments as insensitive in the light of the present economic situation in thd county.
“Onanuga needs help”, he noted.
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.
“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”.
“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”.
He said Onanuga telling Nigerians that his principal can “go anywhere” reeks of indifference, as if the citizens’ are nothing but some inconsequential afterthought.
He said “Nigerians deserve leadership that matches the gravity of the challenges they face, not one that treats the presidency like a travel agency.”
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