The presidency has urged the African Action Congress (AAC) 2023 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to delete his social media post describing President Bola Tinubu as a criminal.

Naijaonpoint reports that Sowore, in a post via 𝕏 on Tuesday, said the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, contacted him over the social media post.

In the WhatsApp message shared by the political activist, Onanuga argued that Sowore’s interpretation of the President’s statement in Brazil was a misfire, stressing that Tinubu was only referring to the process of sourcing foreign exchange and not corruption as a whole.

Onanuga cited examples from business figures like Samad Rabiu to defend his point, and advised Sowore to delete his post.

Sowore quoted Onanuga as saying: “Good afternoon. Your August 26 tweet that the DSS is complaining about is anchored on a total misinterpretation of what the President said in Brazil. He said there was no more corruption regarding sourcing foreign exchange and that you do not need to know CBN Governor Cardoso to get forex. Prominent business people like Samad Rabiu have all given testimony about this. That was what he meant. Nothing more. You truly misfired. I will advise that you delete the contentious post. Good afternoon.”

In response, Sowore wrote, “Good afternoon. I am surprised that you consider it appropriate to dictate to citizens like me how to interpret what is already in the public domain, especially when it comes to videos and matters that touch on the State of the Nation.

“What is more troubling is that in Nigeria today, anyone who dares to criticise the President is instantly subjected to harassment by the DSS, political thugs, and every coercive instrument the state can muster. I once thought perhaps you were unaware of such abuse, but it is now clear you are complicit.

“In this regard, it is you who has misfired. Your request reflects not only poor judgment but also the mindset of the principal you represent.

“Nota Bene:* I have known Bayo Onanuga for many decades. Back when I was a student leader in Lagos, Tempo, The News, and PM News were our go-to platforms. Later, before founding SaharaReporters, I even moonlighted as a Special Correspondent for The News, working alongside Kunle Ajibade and @BabafemiOjudu to produce some of the hottest stories of that era.

“This clarification is necessary because it explains why Mr. Onanuga may have chosen to write me a private message over my recent post. Out of respect, I sought his permission to make our exchange public, but he did not reply.”