Tinubu’s Reputation Sinking, Atiku’s Aide Warns: Media Can’t Save You 

Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communications, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, has asserted that not even a thousand media aides can rescue President Bola Tinubu’s sinking reputation. He characterized the recent appointment of five additional media aides by the President as a clear sign of his desperation to salvage what remains of his “scandalous reputation.” 

Shaibu made these remarks in response to the creation of a new directorate and the appointment of additional media aides by President Tinubu on Monday. He said, “Not even a thousand media aides can save the reputation of President Bola Tinubu, which is currently drowning in scandals.

The newly appointed aides comprise the following individuals: Mr. Fela Durotoye (Senior Special Assistant to the President for National Values & Social Justice), Mr. Fredrick Nwabufo (Senior Special Assistant to the President for Public Engagement), Mrs. Linda Nwabuwa Akhigbe (Senior Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Communications), Mr. Aliyu Audu (Special Assistant to the President for Public Affairs), and Mr. Francis Adah Abah (Personal Assistant to the President for Special Duties).

In accordance with his earlier statement, Atiku’s spokesman pointed out that the recent appointments validate his September 18 warning regarding Tinubu’s government intentions to establish a propaganda unit. He expressed concern over the increasing number of media advisers appointed by Tinubu, totaling 20 individuals, with some holding similar portfolios.

Shaibu raised questions about the government’s priorities, noting that despite claiming to focus on fiscal discipline, it has appointed a substantial number of non-statutory positions, particularly in the media sector. He remarked on the irony that Tinubu’s government has more media advisers than economic aides and attributed this decision to a potential reliance on propaganda as a means of governance.

He then listed the names of the appointed media aides, along with their respective roles, and highlighted the significance of these appointments in light of ongoing controversies surrounding the government. Atiku’s spokesman emphasized that while propaganda has its limits, it cannot address fundamental issues such as poverty, infrastructure, and security, or attract prudent foreign investment.

In conclusion, Atiku’s spokesman drew a parallel to the character “Squealer” from George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” suggesting that the government’s focus on propaganda might result in superficial improvements without addressing the core issues faced by the community.