Presidency: Tinubu is Not T-Pain; He’s Dedicated to Delivering Relief to Nigerians

Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has responded to the increasing criticism regarding the nickname “T-pain,” a social media label for the president.

The term “T-pain,” a blend of “Tinubu” and “pain,” symbolizes public frustration with Nigeria’s economic challenges and has gained widespread usage online.

In an interview with Channels Television, Onanuga clarified that President Tinubu is aware of the challenges Nigerians are facing and is dedicated to improving the economy.

“The president is aware that the citizens are going through some difficulties,” he said.

He also dismissed the social media nickname as irrelevant to Tinubu’s objectives: “The president does not read what is on social media… Some people out of mischief just say somebody is a T-pain. He [Tinubu] is not T-pain.”

Onanuga emphasized that while Tinubu’s policies might result in short-term hardships, they are designed to achieve long-term economic reform.

“The president has never shied away from telling Nigerians that he feels their pain and he is working very hard to make sure that he gives them some relief so that things will get better and this country will get more prosperity,” he said.

“We are experiencing economic growth, despite inflation; revenues have increased.”

Earlier this month, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized Tinubu, using the nickname “T-pain” and questioning the president’s response to economic hardship, especially regarding the rise in petrol prices.

Atiku stated, “It is even more worrying that T-pain is undisturbed by the hardship in the country,” attributing the current economic challenges to the administration’s handling of fuel subsidy management.

As Nigeria grapples with inflation and economic pressures, Tinubu’s administration is under increasing public scrutiny.

However, Onanuga reiterated that the president is focused on achieving long-term prosperity for the nation.