Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has addressed the growing criticism surrounding the nickname “T-pain,” a social media term reflecting public dissatisfaction with Tinubu amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.
The nickname, which combines “Tinubu” with “pain,” symbolizes the frustration many Nigerians feel regarding the country’s economic situation. In an interview with Channels Television, Onanuga emphasized that President Tinubu is aware of the hardships faced by citizens and is dedicated to improving the economy. “The president knows that the citizens are experiencing difficulties,” he stated.
He dismissed the “T-pain” label as irrelevant to Tinubu’s objectives, saying, “The president does not pay attention to what’s on social media… Some people, out of mischief, simply label him as T-pain. He [Tinubu] is not T-pain.”
Onanuga explained that while Tinubu’s policies may cause temporary hardships, they are designed to facilitate long-term economic reform. “The president has consistently expressed that he understands the pain Nigerians are feeling and is working diligently to provide relief so that conditions improve and the country can achieve greater prosperity,” he remarked. “We are seeing economic growth, even with inflation; revenues have risen.”
Earlier this month, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized Tinubu, using the “T-pain” nickname and questioning his handling of economic difficulties, particularly the rise in petrol prices.
Atiku noted, “It is even more concerning that T-pain seems unfazed by the struggles in the country,” linking the current economic issues to the administration’s approach to fuel subsidy management.
As Nigeria grapples with inflation and economic challenges, Tinubu’s administration is under increasing public scrutiny. However, Onanuga reaffirmed that the president remains committed to securing long-term prosperity for the nation.
