Activist accuses presidential aide of enabling state harassment of critics
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has revealed a private WhatsApp message from presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, urging him to delete a social media post in which he described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal.”
Sowore, who made the disclosure on Tuesday through his verified social media accounts, said the message followed his criticism of President Tinubu’s speech during an official engagement in Brazil, where the president declared that “there is no more corruption in Nigeria.”
According to Sowore, Onanuga insisted his interpretation was false and misdirected. In the message, the presidential aide wrote: “Your August 26 tweet that the DSS is complaining about is anchored on a total misinterpretation of what the President said in Brazil. He said there was no more corruption regarding sourcing foreign exchange and that you do not need to know CBN Governor Cardoso to get forex. Prominent business people like Samad Rabiu have all given testimony about this. That was what he meant. Nothing more. You truly misfired. I will advise that you delete the contentious post.”
Rejecting the appeal, Sowore accused Onanuga of enabling the harassment of government critics. In his reply, he said: *“Good afternoon. I am surprised that you consider it appropriate to dictate to citizens like me how to interpret what is already in the public domain, especially when it comes to videos and matters that touch on the State of the Nation.
“What is more troubling is that in Nigeria today, anyone who dares to criticise the President is instantly subjected to harassment by the DSS, political thugs, and every coercive instrument the state can muster. I once thought perhaps you were unaware of such abuse, but it is now clear you are complicit.
“In this regard, it is you who has misfired. Your request reflects not only poor judgment but also the mindset of the principal you represent.”
READ ALSO: I won’t delete anti-Tinubu tweet, Sowore vows
Sowore further noted that his long professional relationship with Onanuga, dating back to his days as a student activist and journalist before founding Sahara Reporters, might have influenced the aide’s decision to reach out privately.
The disclosure comes just days after the Department of State Services (DSS) summoned Sowore over the same post. In a letter dated September 7 and signed by Uwem Davies on behalf of the Director-General, the DSS demanded a retraction and public apology within one week, describing the activist’s remarks as “false, malicious, derogatory and capable of inciting public disturbance.” The security agency also wrote to X Corp., asking for the post to be taken down.
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