Nigerians on social media have criticised presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga for asserting that President Bola Tinubu is sensitive to the economic challenges facing the country. Onanuga, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, dismissed the social media nickname “T-Pain” for Tinubu, calling it mischievous and insisting that the President is focused on alleviating the nation’s hardship. “President Tinubu feels the pain of Nigerians and assures them that relief is on the horizon,” Onanuga said. “Some have resorted to calling him ‘T-Pain’ out of mischief, but he is not that. He’s here to heal, not to hurt.”
The comment sparked backlash on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, with users expressing scepticism and frustration. Ogugua Oguamanam commented on Facebook, “I don’t envy Bayo Onanuga. He is doing the job he’s paid to do, but lies cannot turn pain into comfort. We the people wear the shoes and know where it hurts most.” Another user, Stanley Odogwu, added, “That’s what you have to say because it’s your work. But if you don’t know, Nigerians are suffering.”
Other users on X shared similar sentiments, questioning how the President could genuinely empathise with the hardships when taking actions that appear disconnected from the public’s reality. “I was thinking Tinubu is T-Pain, but he is more than that. He is T-Pain 2.0,” wrote @AustineOBrian. In a similar vein, @VC_Ekezie suggested, “Should we call him ‘Feel-Pain’ then?” @Chrisjay2531 Jay remarked, “Tinubu is the real T-Pain. God save Nigeria. Deliver us from T-Pain.”
Comments continued, with some users like @dayoogedengbe pointing to Tinubu’s recent jet purchases and luxury travels as signs of disconnect. “Very correct, he feels Nigerians’ pain in the newly purchased presidential jet and in the Escalade SUV,” the user wrote. Another, @AndyAmbroseJos2, challenged the claim by suggesting that if Tinubu truly empathised, he would prioritise lowering fuel prices.
The ‘T-Pain’ nickname for Tinubu has gained momentum on social media as a play on the first letter of his name and the American rapper T-Pain, representing public frustration with the cost of living increases. Figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have also used the term to critique Tinubu’s policies, particularly on fuel subsidies, underscoring the growing discontent among Nigerians.
