Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, (CDHR) express disappointment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Media aide, Mr Bayo Onanuga with his penchant in attacking messengers instead of their message; they should stop bulling Dr. Adesina Akinwumi the President of the African Development Bank (AFDB) Akinwunmi Adesina on his comparison of Nigerians’ poverty situation now and in the 1960s.
In light of recent statements from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Aide, Mr Bayo Onanuga seeking to discredit voices drawing attention to Nigeria’s deepening poverty and economic stagnation, we reaffirm that facts—not personalities—must remain the focus of national discourse.
Reports on poverty levels and GDP performance are grounded in verifiable data from credible institutions, both local like Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, Nairametrics and international like World Banks, IMF.
Shooting the messenger does nothing to change the harsh realities facing millions of Nigerians who are struggling daily with rising prices, joblessness, and failing infrastructure.
Rather than divert attention with personal attacks or political posturing, the government should urgently address the structural and policy failures responsible for the worsening economic indicators. Nigerians deserve solutions, not scapegoats that has become one too many.
Dr Adesina is very respected for his integrity, outstanding performance and unconditional love for our country; his clarion remarks are supposed to be a feedback mechanism to a responsible government but unfortunately that is not case here.
Rather than face the facts presented by all economy experts, PBAT allows his aides to politise everything. Government response is expected to come from fellow experts entrusted to manage our economy and not media aides.
We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government to demonstrate leadership by engaging with data constructively and prioritizing policies that deliver real economic relief. Accountability, transparency, and action—not defensiveness—are the hallmarks of good governance.
Signed:
Comrade Gerald O Katchy
National Secretary, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR
