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Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has unveiled what he described as “the 10 big lies” that have so far characterized the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Shaibu, in a statement issued on Sunday, said the “big lies” were evidence that Tinubu’s only plan was to use propaganda to deceive Nigerians rather than do any proper work in rescuing citizens from the bottomless pit of bad governance they had been pushed into in the last eight years plus 117 days of the administration of the All Progressives Congress.

Atiku’s aide asked Nigerians not to be deceived by the apology issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, and other aides to Tinubu. He said they were only sorry because they had been caught and not because they were penitent. Shaibu said the fact that Tinubu had more media aides than economic and security advisers was enough to prove that his administration would rely on propaganda as a state policy.

“My advice to the Nigerian media is to always fact-check any claim made by this government as this would help maintain their credibility. If the Tinubu government says it is morning, go outside to verify if the sun is shining,” he said.

Atiku’s aide listed the following as “the 10 lies of the Tinubu regime I have compiled so far”:

1.    1. Fuel Subsidy: Bola Tinubu claimed in his inaugural speech that petrol subsidy is gone. However, with oil prices at $94 per barrel and the naira at N1,000/$1, the price of diesel has risen to about N1,000 per litre while petrol remains at about N620 per litre. It is obvious to the discerning mind that petrol is now being subsidized.

2.     UAE Visa Ban: The government falsely claimed that the United Arab Emirates had lifted the visa ban on Nigerians, which later turned out to be untrue.

3.     NASDAQ Bell Ringing: Tinubu claimed to be the first African President to ring the NASDAQ bell, which was debunked as Malawian President, Jakaya Kikwete, rang the bell on September 21, 2011.

4.     Meeting with President Biden: A statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale quoted US Presidential Envoy Ambassador Molly Phee as saying that “President Joe Biden is asking to meet with you on the sidelines of UNGA,” which never happened.

5.  Exchange Rate: Tinubu claimed to have retooled the exchange rate to a reliable, dependable one-figure floating of the naira, which is far from the current exchange rates.

6.  Airstrike in Niger State: The government claimed an airstrike against terrorists in Niger State, but it later turned out that innocent civilians were killed.

7.  $10 Billion FX Injection: The Central Bank claimed it would inject $10 billion into the foreign exchange market, which hasn’t happened.

8. Inclusive Government: Tinubu promised a government with prejudice towards none, but key appointments have favored one section of the country.

9.     NNPC Loan: Claims that NNPC obtained a $3 billion Afrexim loan to stabilize the naira have not materialized.     

sSStudent Loan Act: The Student Loan Act, signed by Tinubu, covers only tuition fees, while other educational expenses have increased in government schools.

This list, carried in full here, highlights the concerns raised by Shaibu regarding what he sees as misleading claims by the Tinubu administration.