Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, has insisted that President Bola Tinubu is deeply aware of the struggles Nigerians face, countering accusations that the President is indifferent to citizens’ hardships.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on Sunday, Onanuga dismissed social media nicknames labelling Tinubu as “T-pain” as mischievous, reiterating that the President is committed to turning Nigeria’s economic fortunes around.
“President Tinubu feels the pain of Nigerians and assures them that relief is on the horizon.
“Some have resorted to calling him ‘T-pain’ out of mischief, but he is not that. He’s here to heal, not to hurt,” Onanuga stressed.
Onanuga’s comments follow criticisms that have berated Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of petrol subsidies and forex unification.
These policies have driven sharp increases in the cost of food, fuel, and other essentials, sparking widespread frustration among citizens.
However, the Presidential aide maintained that the policies are aimed at “repairing the economy” rather than inflicting hardship.
“The President has never shied away from acknowledging that Nigerians are going through difficult times. He is working tirelessly to provide relief and ensure that the nation moves towards a future of prosperity,” he explained.
Despite high inflation and soaring living costs, Onanuga emphasised that the administration is seeing signs of economic growth and increased revenues, which he claims point to a brighter economic outlook.
“This is a painful transition, but it’s part of a long-term strategy to stabilize and grow the economy,” he said.
In recent months, citizens have staged protests, demanding a reversal of the government’s economic policies, which have hit the middle class particularly hard.
Onanuga, however, maintained that the present administration remains steadfast, viewing the reforms as essential steps toward sustainable growth.
5 Names Tinubu is known
Nigerians have given President Tinubu many nicknames, each representing different parts of his personality and political career.
These nicknames are more than just names; they show the public’s feelings and the stories behind Tinubu’s rise from local Lagos politics to national leadership.
Here’s an explanation of what some of these names mean.
Jagaban
Supporters call Tinubu “Jagaban” to show that they see him as a strong leader. In Hausa, “Jagaban” means a leader who is at the front, similar to a war commander. This name points to his influential and decisive role in Nigerian politics, especially in Lagos.
Asiwaju
“Asiwaju” means “front-runner” in Yoruba. This nickname reflects Tinubu’s ability to lead and set trends in politics. It shows he is a pioneer who has shaped how politics is done in Nigeria.
City Boy
“City Boy” connects Tinubu to the lively city life of Lagos, where he has made a big impact. The name suggests he’s like the character in stories about young people who move to the city and succeed through hard work. It showed his deep ties and influence in Lagos, a major urban centre.
Emilokan
“Emilokan,” which translates to “It’s my turn,” comes from Tinubu’s campaign slogan. It was used by his supporters during his presidential campaign to show that they believed it was his time to lead the country after many years in politics.
T-Pain
This newer, humorous nickname was inspired by the American musician T-Pain. It originally reflected the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians, especially after the fuel subsidy was removed. However, his supporters now use “T-Pain” to mean “temporary pain,” suggesting that any challenges during his presidency will be short-lived.
