Protests: After Social Media Threat, Nigerians Dig Up Old Tweet of Tinubu’s Aide Insulting the President

• Dada Olusegun warned that protests against the government would face strong resistance, asserting support from the silent majority backing President Tinubu
• Social media backlash emerged after users highlighted Olusegun’s past calls for protests against former President Jonathan, exposing perceived hypocrisy in his stance

Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, is facing backlash over his recent statements regarding potential protests in Nigeria. Amid reports of youths planning a nationwide protest from August 1 to 15 against the rising cost of living and economic hardship, Olusegun warned that any protests against the government would be met with strong resistance.

In a tweet, Olusegun asserted that those who gave Tinubu the mandate to rule would oppose the protests, saying, “Those who want to burn the country down under whatever guise will meet the strongest resistance of their lives. Not from security agencies but from the silent majority that gave their mandate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for four years in the first instance. We are waiting.”

After his tweet gained attention, social media users unearthed an old tweet from Olusegun where he called for protests against former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, saying, “GEJ is a f**l and an idi*t! We will protest yes we will……. Wake up ppl, leggo ppl!”

In another past tweet, Olusegun had accused President Tinubu of corruption and deceit, stating, “ACN is a shop set up by Bola Tinubu. He’s a corrupt man. He is just a man covered with deceit. He can’t deceive me, though.” referring to the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) party.

Additionally, Olusegun reportedly deleted an old tweet where he called for war in response to the use of tear gas on peaceful protesters: “When peaceful change is possible, violent change becomes inevitable! We protest peacefully and u throw us teargas, prepare for war!”

These revelations have sparked widespread criticism on social media. Users expressed their disapproval, highlighting the perceived hypocrisy in Olusegun’s stance.

• @EmperorJakarta: “If I was Daddy D. O, shame for dey catch me die.”
• @Alexx_Hilton: “They all know who he is, it’s just all about their interests.”
• @FablosJanny: “He’s singing a new tune in a more dire situation, when he was trolling GEJ Nigeria wasn’t as bad as it is today.”
• @josh__ekwunife: “Omo…. Things dey sup. Just to show how people change when the tide favours them. Hypocrites.”
• @MsEnny_O: “And now they no longer want people to exercise their human rights.”

The controversy underscores the changing attitudes and the impact of political alignment on public statements.