“You Can’t See Hunger Because Your Principal Is in Office” – Reactions Trail Onanuga’s Remarks

• Bayo Onanuga has rejected claims that the level of hunger frequently highlighted by critics accurately reflects conditions across Nigeria.
• The presidential spokesman argued that government programmes, infrastructure projects, student loans, and worker credit schemes are positively affecting many Nigerians.
• Speaking on Arise Television, Onanuga said his personal observations and interactions do not support the narrative of widespread hunger often portrayed in public discussions.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has stated that he does not agree with claims that the level of hunger often described by critics accurately reflects the situation across Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Onanuga argued that many Nigerians are benefiting from policies introduced by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, government initiatives such as infrastructure projects, student loan programmes, and credit facilities for workers are making a positive impact on citizens across the country.

Onanuga cited a recent trip from Ibadan to Lagos, during which he said he observed improvements in road infrastructure, particularly around the Ijebu-Ode axis. He suggested that public conversations about Nigeria often overlook developments that he believes are producing tangible benefits.

In his words:

“We have been pigeonholed into certain assumptions, certain conclusions.”

The presidential aide also referred to a viral video from the early days of the Tinubu administration in which the president was filmed returning from a mosque in Lagos.

According to Onanuga:

“I think the President went to Lagos, he was coming from the Central Mosque, and somebody now did a voice-over saying ‘Ebi n pawa o,’ and that means we are hungry. Since then, people have been saying that.”

He argued that the narration attached to the video helped create a perception of widespread hunger that may not fully represent the experiences of all Nigerians.

While acknowledging that economic challenges exist, Onanuga maintained that his personal observations and interactions do not support the view that the hardship being reported reflects the reality of every part of the country.

He said:

“I’m a Nigerian. I have people working for me privately. I don’t see the level of hunger people are talking about because I see them, and I keep asking them questions: how are things, how are they adjusting, what are the problems?”

@haztola

Credit corp loans for civil servants have an interest rate of more than 40% per annum. That is more like a slave loan.

@blacklawyerr

Stop talking jargons! You can do better.

The people are suffering! But we acknowledge the positive impact of government policies as we await long time results.

Coming on air to bullshit people’s suffering is irresponsible and portraying the government in a bad light

@Valkyrie9990

I’m not even mad at the man. He is working for his salary. But why doesn’t Charles fact check these people the same way he does to PO? He allows them lie freely

@ChimdiEkeo59125

Seriously, are these people’s kids even aware enough to know the kind of people their parents are? Or are they all of the same ilk?

@johnson_gbemi

He was making sense but ended the conversation poorly, the impact of those policies is biting hard on Nigerians

@toluyoung

Kaiiiiiii, why are we so selfish, you can’t see the level of hunger because your principal is in the office. God go punish una