FG not a travel agency, Tinubu, Atiku’s aide square up over President’s vacation

Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Phrank Shaibu has said that the Federal Government is not a travel agency, in reaction to the comment of Bayo Onanuga on the vacation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

President Tinubu had announced a 2-week vacation when he traveled to France recently, a decision that has generated heated controversy about the President abandoning the country in a time of all-round economic turmoil.

However, the Special Adviser to Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a press statement said that the President should not be disturbed from enjoying his “private time.”

According to Onanuga, “President Tinubu is on leave for two weeks. He is not restricted to the UK. It is his private time. He can go to anywhere he so desires. He is still observing his leave”.

However, Shaibu, in a post on his X handle lampooned Onanuga, describing his comments as insensitive in the light of the present economic situation in the county.

“Onanuga Needs Help”, Shaibu remarks in his response to the Presidency’s statement signed by Onanuga.

He added: “The president is on vacation and can jet off to wherever his heart desires, because apparently, leadership is like a Netflix subscription – you can pause it whenever you please.

“While Nigerians grapple with fuel price hikes, inflation, insecurity, and a crumbling economy, we’re told not to worry because, well, it’s his private time…this Onanuga of a ‘boy’ needs help”.

“It’s funny how the same office that demands sacrifices from citizens – tightening belts, paying more taxes, enduring hardships – suddenly becomes a playground of personal indulgence at the top.
“Public office isn’t a personal getaway; it’s a duty that requires being accountable 24/7, even on leave”.

He said Onanuga telling Nigerians that his principal can “go anywhere” reeks of indifference, as if the citizens’ are nothing but some inconsequential afterthought.

He said, “Nigerians deserve leadership that matches the gravity of the challenges they face, not one that treats the presidency like a travel agency.”