Nigerians have expressed frustration and disappointment in response to false claims made by the Tinubu government regarding a supposed $600 million investment secured from A.P. Moller-Maersk for Nigerian seaports infrastructure.
The claims, disseminated by Bayo Onuguga, a special adviser on information and strategy to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, known for disseminating misinformation and propaganda, have been debunked by Maersk itself.
Contrary to the assertions made by the Tinubu administration, Maersk clarified that no such investment deal was signed during a meeting between Bola Tinubu and Maersk Chairman Robert Maersk Uggla.
Nigerians took to various social media platforms to voice their outrage. Many criticized the government’s reliance on misinformation and propaganda, with some questioning the credibility of officials responsible for spreading false news.
Comments ranged from expressions of disappointment to outright condemnation of the government’s actions.
One X user, Duru Michael stated,” The good thing that ever happened to Nigeria is the emergence of @PeterObi that brought Obidient movement, we will keep unmasking APC lies and propaganda… we are on top of the game
Another handle, Sadiya stated, “What kind of embarrassment is this, Sir @aonanuga1956 u are too old for this kind of rubbish. U hav lived ur life, why do you hate young generation so much. why do you just want to enjoy your old age but don’t care how the world will see the country and D imparct on young people.
Another user, Tooner, articulated, ” @aonanuga1956 aren’t you ashamed of yourself? You’ve tweeted more fake news than authentic news all your life, how can someone explain to people that you are the minister for information but biggest purveyor of fake news.
Another handle, The King wrote, Govt of Propaganda by propaganda For Propaganda.
Sabuba “How ridiculous, for a govt that keeps wanting to regulate the social media due to “fake news” yet they keep peddling the same fake news, both on mainstream and social media.
Another, Doris Blessing Amazon wrote, “Bayo is a misplaced identity
Another handle, Peter Obi 2027 Obidient Movement, wrote, “Dubai visa. LIE. Port harcourt refinery. LIE. Student loans. LIE. Foreign investment. LIE. Petrol price reduction. LIE. Now Maersk $600m again, LIESSSS! Ask yourself if you’re not unfortunate, why are you supporting this government?
Another X handle, HODDÉ wrote, “A 70 year old man. A tribal bigot of all bigots. A liar and propagandist. All in one man. And he has people around him who are okay with him and adore him despite all these pieces of evidence back to back. How can Nigeria be expected to survive with this kind?
Another handle, Prince Kel stated, “This is how they will print fake news on national newspapers and our parents will consume lies. Who will delete the one on vanguard, the sun or punch after it has been printed and then he discovers its lies??
Another handle, King, sated, “This man can’t get a single investment deal in Nigeria, the world sees and hears everything going on in Nigeria that’s why nobody takes it serious
Another handle, Obiorah Otu wrote, “He is a special adviser for lies. Trained by Lai Muhammad.
Another handle, God’sWillAlone4Naija stated, “Thanks be to God for @ParallelFacts where you get verified News unlike those turning theirs to look and cry because of Certified Certificate Forgers Club.
Another handle, Balatic wrote, “No sane investor will invest in a narcotic economy. And investments are rarely secured on the sidelines of an international event. They usually flow in naturally once the conditions are there. And one of the cardinal conditions is having a decent person, not a crook, at the helm
Another handle, Marvellous Israel, stated, They took it on propaganda. They cannot do without propaganda. They’re just there for nothing else but their belle
Another X user, Ikenga, stated, “Why do we have a government that comes out to tell lies to its citizens.
Another X user,Nnekanwa, wrote, “Really a pity what Nigerians are allowing because of tribe and Religion, really unfortunate
Another X user,Michael Ogwo, stated, “Imagine how many lies this guy has been telling Nigerian about foreign investors
Another X user, Ebube Mira P.O integrity officer, stated, “Should b arrested 4 spreading fake news including d asst propagandist woye.. after all na una talk say una go arrest all fake news peddlers.. start with yourselves
Another X user, Emeka8, articulated, “Tinubu has lived a very successful criminal life. Also, succeeded in stealing the presidency. He is now running Nigeria with lies and deceit. This is what he knows best and has successfully done all his life. Very sad
Another X user, KC Uche, lamented, “How many times will this man be caught pant down on lies? He can never win the hearts of Nigerians with lies. Go ask Liar Mohammed
Another X user, Ejiofor Churchil, wrote, ” You cannot have a drug case, forged your certificate and then snatch power and turn around to lead a responsible government because it is never in your character. It is unfortunate,that people like Reno Omokiri,Bayo Onanuga and Bwala are now willing tools for misinformation.
Another X user, Paulnyeso, articulated, “If I was a supporter of this government I would have long been ashamed of myself but APC supporters have repeatedly shown how shameless they are. Imagine supporting a government that is always lying to you
Another X user, èmi eko, stated, “That’s how they rushed to tell us Dubai visa was lifted. They are in power and still having to push unverified news shows how desperate they are for eye service and make belief over being productive and efficient.
Despite the backlash, the Tinubu government has yet to respond to the criticisms or address the misinformation.
