‘Forget National Honor, Wear Betrayal Badge’ – Atiku’s Aide Attacks Onanuga

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Frank Shaibu, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, for praising his principal over the national honors since he helped solidify democracy and fight to have the June 12 election results revoked.
Reacting to Onanuga’s 𝕏 post, Shaibu reportedly reminded him of his opposition to military rule and his ability to speak truth to authority.
Atiku’s aide pointed out that Onanuga has chosen to back a government whose policies mirror the oppression he once opposed, rather than continuing on the honorable road of speaking up for the people.

Shaibu says Onanuga spins propaganda for a government that rules with impunity, trivializes the pain of Nigerians, and mocks their anguish.

Onanuga initially supported the battle for democracy, but he has subsequently switched sides, according to Atiku’s assistant.

“Dear Bayo, Through TheNews and Tempo, you might have participated in the media resistance during the June 12 conflict. You spoke out against military oppression. History once set out a place for you among the democratic defenders because of this. However, you no longer follow that honorable path.

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You now speak for a government whose policies mirror the identical oppression you previously opposed, rather than the people. You support policies that make poverty worse, justify ineptitude, and make dictatorship possible. You manufacture propaganda for a regime that rules with impunity, make fun of Nigerians’ pain, and justify their misery. June 12 was not about that.

Thus, I would like to know if you are deserving of being recognized as a June 12 hero.

June 12 was a moral revolt, not just a date. Patriots’ sacrifices, the people’s will, and their refusal to submit to authoritarianism were all at stake. Its principles must be upheld by those who are worthy of wearing it, not only during the conflict but also after it is over and truth becomes inconvenient.

Is it possible for a man who today supports oppression to be considered an oppressor? Can someone who justifies evil be honored on the altar of justice?

“To reward you with a CON under the June 12 banner is to desecrate the memory of Alfred Rewane, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Kudirat Abiola, and the millions who longed for a better Nigeria.” Bayo, you may have been on one side of the battle in the start, but now you’re on the other.

“Honor is about where you stand when it counts most, not just where you stood in the past. And you’re standing against the people today, not with them. Instead of a national award, you ought to wear a badge of betrayal.