Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has come under fire for his choice of words while debunking rumors about the health of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. In his response to the viral reports, Onanuga referred to those spreading the claims as “idiots,” sparking debate over the appropriateness of his language as a senior government official.
The Controversial Statement.
Reports had surfaced on Friday night alleging that Wike collapsed due to excessive alcohol consumption and suffered a stroke, necessitating medical treatment in France. However, Wike dispelled these claims by making a public appearance at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Abuja on Sunday, where he led the FCT delegation during an Eid-El-Fitr homage to President Tinubu.
Reacting to the false reports, Onanuga took to social media and wrote:
“Here is Nyesom Wike, the Minister of FCT, reported by some online idiots to have suffered a stroke and flown abroad.”
While his statement reaffirmed the inaccuracy of the reports, his use of the term “idiots” has drawn widespread criticism, with many questioning whether such language is appropriate for a government official addressing the public.
Public Backlash and Debate.
Onanuga’s remarks have sparked outrage among Nigerians, with many taking to social media to express their disapproval.
@waziri_adeniyi: “Imagine this old fool calling people idiots! You have forgotten power is transient and you will face your consequences later in life. Where is Lai Mohammed today? Where is Femi Adesina? Old foolish idiot!”
@AmodaOgunlere: “Awon obingos ni. Awon alayebaje 3rd place losers. Na Peter Obi dey send dem those evil agenda from their WhatsApp groups.”
@naijaadvocate22: “You have the highest level of idiots in your kids. You should be stoned. You are a very useless father.”
@bunmi_speaks: “If a whole ‘Special Adviser’ to the president cannot control his emotions, is it any surprise that Nigerians act like wild animals? Zero professionalism from top to bottom.”
@NonsoEzeani1: “Always remember Femi Adesina, who often took the liberty to address Nigerians with unprintable words. Like him, you will be out of political office someday, and your road to infamy will be as fast as his.”
The Challenge of Misinformation in Nigeria.
The incident has reignited discussions about the dangers of misinformation and the responsibilities of both journalists and the government in ensuring accurate news dissemination. Social media has become a primary source of news for many Nigerians, but the unchecked spread of unverified information continues to pose risks to public trust.
While Onanuga’s reaction highlights the frustration with fake news, it also raises concerns about the tone and professionalism expected from those in government. Analysts suggest that a more measured response would have been more effective in addressing the issue without overshadowing the core message—that the rumors about Wike were entirely false.
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Wike’s Health and Government Duties.
Despite the unfounded speculation, Wike remains active in his role as FCT Minister. His presence at the State House event alongside President Tinubu reaffirms his continued participation in national affairs, putting to rest concerns about his health.
While Bayo Onanuga’s response successfully debunked the rumors, it also sparked a broader discussion on professionalism in public communication. As misinformation continues to challenge credibility in Nigerian media, both journalists and government officials bear the responsibility of fostering a more informed and respectful discourse. The balance between countering falsehoods and maintaining decorum remains a crucial aspect of public engagement in governance.
