Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has disclosed a private WhatsApp exchange with presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who urged him to delete a social media post describing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal.”
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the former presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections disclosed this on Tuesday through his social media accounts.
Sowore said Onanuga contacted him directly, insisting that his interpretation of Tinubu’s speech in Brazil was “a misfire.”
It can be recalled that Tinubu had, during an official engagement in the South American country, declared that “there is no more corruption in Nigeria,” a claim that drew widespread criticism from many, including Sowore, who described the president as a ‘criminal.’
Sowore said he responded by rejecting Onanuga’s appeal, stressing that it was inappropriate for a government official to dictate how citizens interpret the president’s public remarks.
“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,” Sowore quoted Onanuga’s message in the statement.
In his reply, Sowore said he accused the presidential aide of enabling state harassment of critics:
“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.”
Sowore further explained his longstanding professional relationship with Onanuga dating back to his days as a student activist and later as a journalist before founding Sahara Reporters, which, according to him, may have influenced Onanuga’s decision to reach out privately.
The revelation comes days after the Department of State Services (DSS) summoned Sowore over the same social media post. In a September 7 letter 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 post as “false, malicious, derogatory and capable of inciting public disturbance.”
The security agency also wrote to X Corp., owners of X, asking that the post be taken down.