(DDM) – Former Southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Josef Onoh, has expressed deep concern over what he described as a “united echo of silence” surrounding the President following the recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by the United States government.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Onoh, in a strongly worded statement, accused many political allies and senior government figures of abandoning Tinubu at a critical time when the nation’s sovereignty and leadership image are under scrutiny.
He noted that the absence of a coordinated defense of the President’s administration, particularly after the controversial remarks attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump, reflected “a betrayal of loyalty and national pride.”
According to Onoh, the silence from top political aides, cabinet members, and ruling party loyalists suggests a lack of conviction in defending the country’s interests before foreign powers.
He stated, “It is disheartening that at a time like this, when Nigeria faces international misrepresentation, those who should speak boldly for the President are choosing silence over solidarity. Silence, in this case, is not golden, it is betrayal.”
DDM reports that Onoh drew parallels between the current diplomatic tension and historical instances where external pressure tested Nigeria’s unity, noting that previous administrations had faced similar Western skepticism but received stronger internal defense.
He lamented that the situation has allowed foreign narratives to dominate global discourse on Nigeria, portraying the country as unstable and incapable of managing its internal affairs.
The former presidential aide also urged the Federal Government’s communication machinery to act decisively, warning that failure to counter negative perceptions could lead to long-term diplomatic consequences.
He said, “When Trump or any foreign leader speaks of Nigeria with contempt, our silence becomes their validation. We must reclaim our story, not wait for outsiders to define us.”
DDM learned that Onoh also called on Nigeria’s National Assembly to issue an official statement reaffirming the country’s commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights, while rejecting any form of external interference or threat.
He further stressed that President Tinubu’s government deserves unified support across party lines, emphasizing that moments of international crisis should transcend political divisions.
Political analysts say Onoh’s remarks highlight growing unease within pro-Tinubu circles over the global fallout of the U.S. classification, especially as opposition figures and diaspora commentators use the development to question the administration’s leadership capacity.
Onoh concluded by warning that internal disunity would only embolden external actors seeking to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He declared, “Nigeria must speak with one voice, or we risk letting the world mistake our silence for surrender.”
