Several reactions have trailed the perceived cold war between President Bola Tinubu's aides over a video shared on his social media platforms on Wednesday, August 8.
This controversy arose after Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga described as "old" a video of the president addressing Nigerians.
In a post on X at exactly 10:18 pm, Onanuga wrote: “Trending video of President Tinubu is an old video
“A trending video of President Tinubu which came out on Wednesday is not a new video. It’s a clip from the broadcast he made last year.
“President Tinubu has not made any other public statement since his last broadcast on Sunday.”
Earlier around 3:39 pm on the same day, the President said in a video posted on his social media handles that “as we navigate through these temporary pains, please remember that every effort is being made to ensure a stable and prosperous future for all Nigerians.
“Our collective strength and unity will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. We are in this together, and we will overcome.”
A quick search showed that the message had initially been posted on the X page of O’tega Ogra, who is a Senior Special Assistant to the president.
Ogra uploaded the same video at 1:49 pm and wrote: “A Passionate Plea from President Bola Tinubu @officialABAT to all Nigerians.”
The twist within the presidency has generated angry reactions on social media with many condemning the actions of Onanuga.
Wow!!!
— DISTINGUISHED KPMG LinkedIn Everest (@novieverest) August 7, 2024
OBIdients posted this video with Tinubu's official handle.
OBIdients are spoiling the image of Nigeria.
Lessons.
@I_Am_Ilemona wrote: “Omo!!! We have never had such an incompetent presidency. This video was posted on the president’s personal and official handles and passes off as current. Now one of the president’s media aides is disavowing it. Kai! Kai!! Kai!!!”
@Osi_Suave said: “If the president knows what is good for him he needs to clean that comms department from top to bottom. Because what is this.”
@MCARIZONA5 pointed out: “If you guys have sense you will know that there is a crisis in Villa also because the presidency posted this video today also which means there is a war going on, for Bayo to come here to deny this Omo great time ahead!”
Imagine having an old video that is still very relevant today, says a lot about how far Nigerians have endured suffering. Wetin even concern me, we warned them.
— Lord of Nigeria 🇳🇬 (@Lord_of_Nigeria) August 7, 2024
Them go whine you with old video but no panic. 😂😂😂
— Concerned Citizen (@TimedFrank) August 7, 2024
And it somehow made it to his OFFICIAL (read that again) X account.
The X account of “Presidency Nigeria” also posted it.
How embarrassing.
And to think of it, this speech is a reasonable appeal to Nigerians.
— Dr. D. Udoh (@Udoh_D) August 7, 2024
Maybe you should get him to address the people and specifically state how he is addressing some of the demands.
"Tinubu’s Twitter handle posted a video of Tinubu addressing the protest, Bayo Onanuga just came up to say it is fake.
— Okoli Stephen Izuchukwu (@OkoliStephenIz3) August 7, 2024
Dear spirit of confusion in the presidential villa, please don’t stop 🤣👏🏾😩🤣🤣"
FS Yusuf
