Bayo Onanuga Accuses Obasanjo Of Hypocrisy Over Bribery Claims

Bayo Onanuga Hits Back at Obasanjo, Calling Him Out for Hypocrisy

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has fired back at former President Olusegun Obasanjo, accusing him of a level of hypocrisy that’s hard to ignore. In a strongly worded message, Onanuga argued that Obasanjo will always be remembered as the person who brought bribery into Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. That’s a bold claim, and it’s one that’s sure to spark some serious conversation.

Let’s break it down. Onanuga took issue with Obasanjo’s recent allegations that members of the 10th National Assembly accepted bribes to approve the state of emergency declared by President Tinubu in Rivers State. According to Onanuga, this accusation is reckless and doesn’t hold water. The former president, he insists, has some serious baggage of his own when it comes to corruption and unethical behavior. It’s like calling someone out for littering when you’ve been dumping garbage in the park for years.

“Here’s the thing: Former President Obasanjo, who yesterday made these wild accusations about members of the National Assembly taking bribes to pass the Rivers state of emergency declaration, was the very person who introduced bribery into our Fourth Republic,” Onanuga wrote on Tuesday via his 𝕏 account. “We can’t forget that. But what’s really alarming is his blatant hypocrisy. He’s throwing stones from a glass house, and it’s not sitting well with a lot of people.”

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Obasanjo’s Allegations Spark Controversy

Naija News is reporting that Onanuga’s response is a direct reaction to Obasanjo’s claim that lawmakers were bribed to support the declaration of the state of emergency in Rivers State. This isn’t just idle chatter; it’s a serious accusation with far-reaching implications. Obasanjo made this claim in a video clip where he was seen speaking with House of Representatives member Ikenga Ugochinyere. Interestingly, Ugochinyere denied the allegations, saying that lawmakers were not paid $200,000 each to back the emergency rule. Despite this denial, Obasanjo stood firm, insisting that he had firsthand knowledge of the payments. He even claimed that those who received the money told him about it.

Now, here’s the kicker: Obasanjo’s words carry weight because of his history and influence in Nigerian politics. But Onanuga’s counterpoint is powerful too. He’s essentially saying, “Look, before you start pointing fingers, remember your own track record.” It’s a reminder that when it comes to integrity and ethics, actions speak louder than words. And in this case, the actions of the past are casting a long shadow over the present.

What Does This Mean for Nigeria’s Political Landscape?

This back-and-forth between Onanuga and Obasanjo isn’t just a political squabble—it’s a reflection of deeper issues within Nigeria’s political system. The accusations of bribery and corruption highlight the ongoing struggle to build a transparent and accountable government. For many Nigerians, this exchange serves as a wake-up call. It’s a reminder that leaders, both past and present, need to be held to the highest standards of integrity.

So, what’s next? Will this lead to a larger conversation about accountability and reform? Or will it simply fade into the background noise of Nigerian politics? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: the people of Nigeria deserve leaders who prioritize honesty and transparency over personal gain. And if this debate sparks meaningful change, then maybe, just maybe, it will all be worth it in the end.