Tinubu is not T-pain. He is working very hard to make sure he gives Nigerians some relief – Presidency

Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s special adviser on information and strategy, has responded to the growing backlash over the nickname “T-pain,” a popular social media term for Tinubu.

The nickname, blending “Tinubu” and “pain,” reflects the public’s discontent with Nigeria’s economic challenges and has gained significant traction online.

In an interview with Channels Television, Onanuga clarified that President Tinubu is aware of the difficulties Nigerians face but is committed to improving the economy. He insisted that while Tinubu’s policies may bring short-term hardship, they are aimed at long-term economic reform.

“The president is aware that the citizens are going through some difficulties,” he said. “The president does not read what is on social media… Some people out of mischief just say somebody is a T-pain. He [Tinubu] is not T-pain.”

“The president has never shied away from telling Nigerians that he feels their pain and he is working very hard to make sure that he gives them some relief so that things will get better and this country will get more prosperity. We are experiencing economic growth, despite inflation; revenues have increased.”