Vicky Oselumese
The administration of President Bola Tinubu is facing criticism for spreading false information, according to Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Shaibu has identified what he calls “the 10 big lies” that have characterized Tinubu’s administration.
He argues that these lies demonstrate Tinubu’s reliance on propaganda rather than effective governance.
Shaibu advises the Nigerian media to fact-check any claims made by the government to maintain their credibility.
The list of lies includes false claims about fuel subsidy, the lifting of the UAE visa ban, being the first African President to ring the NASDAQ bell, a meeting with President Biden, the retooling of the exchange rate, an airstrike in Niger State, a $10 billion FX injection, an inclusive government, an NNPC loan, and the Student Loan Act.
Shaibu’s concerns highlight the misleading claims made by the Tinubu administration.
- Fuel Subsidy: Bola Tinubu claimed in his inaugural speech that petrol subsidy is gone. However, with oil prices at $94 per barrel and the naira at N1,000/$1, the price of diesel has risen to about N1,000 per litre while petrol remains at about N620 per litre. It is obvious to the discerning mind that petrol is now being subsidized.
- UAE Visa Ban: The government falsely claimed that the United Arab Emirates had lifted the visa ban on Nigerians, which later turned out to be untrue.
- NASDAQ Bell Ringing: Tinubu claimed to be the first African President to ring the NASDAQ bell, which was debunked as Malawian President, Jakaya Kikwete, rang the bell on September 21, 2011.
- Meeting with President Biden: A statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale quoted US Presidential Envoy Ambassador Molly Phee as saying that “President Joe Biden is asking to meet with you on the sidelines of UNGA,” which never happened.
- Exchange Rate: Tinubu claimed to have retooled the exchange rate to a reliable, dependable one-figure floating of the naira, which is far from the current exchange rates.
- Airstrike in Niger State: The government claimed an airstrike against terrorists in Niger State, but it later turned out that innocent civilians were killed.
- $10 Billion FX Injection: The Central Bank claimed it would inject $10 billion into the foreign exchange market, which hasn’t happened.
- Inclusive Government: Tinubu promised a government with prejudice towards none, but key appointments have favored one section of the country.
- NNPC Loan: Claims that NNPC obtained a $3 billion Afrexim loan to stabilize the naira have not materialized.
- Student Loan Act: The Student Loan Act, signed by Tinubu, covers only tuition fees, while other educational expenses have increased in government schools.
