After the news broke earlier today that Oluseun Onigbinde has been appointed as a Technical Adviser in Nigeria’s Ministry of Budget and National Planning, some Nigerians quickly took to Twitter to drag him for “being hypocritical”. Onigbinde is a Nigerian entrepreneur and data analyst who became famous for founding BudgIT and critiquing the government’s fiscal policies.
It is not surprising that this development came as a surprise to many Nigerians. After all, bearing in mind Mr Onigbinde’s track record, nobody would have expected that he would one day wish to work for the government; at least not the current administration that is led by President Muhammadu Buhari. But he did get the job. And while many Nigerians have congratulated him, others are not clapping for him.
Mixed Reactions: One of those that have reacted to Onigbinde’s appointed is Dr Joe Abah. He said he is pleased that Onigbinde got the appointment, even as he also used the occasion to caution young Nigerians against being too critical of the government.
I am pleased that Seun Onigbinde has been given an appointment by the Federal Govt. When I tell young people not to be too extreme, they abuse me as “Fencist.” In 2015, you are all in for Buhari. 2019, you are all in against Buhari. Your country is bigger than Buhari. Think am o.
— Dr. Joe Abah (@DrJoeAbah) September 13, 2019
One David Okon also expressed his belief that Onigbinde is most qualified to offer technical advice to the Ministery of Budget, bearing in mind his experience and constant preachment on the need for fiscal accountability.
.@seunonigbinde has done great work with @BudgITng & other projects even with @nigeriaeiti regards fiscal accountability. I believe it's the best thing for the government to have him work from inside to change things for better. Congratulations Seun Onigbinde on your new role pic.twitter.com/NfVwS0ilQ4
— DAVID OKON Phd(Affidavit Backed)| Neopublicis.com (@princedavidokon) September 13, 2019
Many Nigerians are, however, displeased over the appointment. As a matter of fact, some people have even called for the appointment to be terminated, citing Onigbinde’s antecedent as Buhari’s critic. As a matter of fact, somebody referred to him a saboteur.
@MBuhari @ProfOsinbajo @ZShamsuna appointment of Seun Onigbinde must not stand,he has been a saboteur and will always be. Pls terminate this appointment as quickly as possible https://t.co/oqydkgejcm
— Kay (@Klustas) September 13, 2019
@ZShamsuna pls we'll be grateful if Seun Onigbinde's appointment is terminated owing to his previous antecedents and replaced by core loyalists. Thanks in anticipation https://t.co/0SZzqWO1zQ
— Kay (@Klustas) September 13, 2019
While some people have argued that the backlash is not necessary, others have continued to dig up some of the man’s old tweets which defined his career as a vocal critic of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Oluseun Onibginde loves Nigeria so much ,didn't vote for @MBuhari .
15m+ Nigerians hated Nigeria & voted @MBuhari.
But the irony is, Oluseun Onibginde got a job as Technical Adviser, @PlanningNG for 15m+ Nigerians he disgagreed with ,didnt share their views & @MBuhari he hated ? pic.twitter.com/WMJZt7Q6cc— eguando tone jeff (@teguando1) September 13, 2019
Jeff baba, how on earth is Seun going to settle to contribute to what exactly? Vision of the admin he's bever believed in? Nah! Check this out pic.twitter.com/2ZlNL0JZjX
— Babs S. A (@Olaneeyee) September 13, 2019
It should be recalled that the late Nigerian social critic, Pius Adesanmi, once tweeted that he would give up on Nigeria if Onigbinde ever accepts a government appointment. Now that it has happened, some people are wondering what Adesanmi would have done if he were to still be alive.
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Only God knows what would have been the response of Late Prof Pius Adesanmi to Seun Onigbinde's appointment.
We only pray, Nigeria would not happen to Seun Onigbinde eventually.
RIP Pius Adesanmi. pic.twitter.com/UMX0xzs8qh
— Tosin Olugbenga (@TosinOlugbenga) September 13, 2019
Now, for the benefit of those who do not know the difference, Oluwaseyi Dansaki explained that this is not a political appointment. Instead, it is a “technical appointment”.
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Mr Seun Onigbinde is trending today on twitter.
Just so we know.
His, is not a political appointment.
As Technical Adviser, he is to provide technical and advisory support to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.
Mr. Onigbinde is the best man for the job. @seunonigbinde pic.twitter.com/cQy3a0BhST— Olúwásèyí Dànsákì (@Seyidansaki) September 13, 2019
In the meantime, Olusegun Onigbinde (whose Twitter followers have mysteriously reduced by the thousands since the announcement), broke his silence following the backclash. Here is what he said;
Thank you, everyone. Those who understood, those with words of encouragement, those who said hurtful things, those with bated breath & those who already sent their CVs, asking to be aides.
To trend on this special day, I am honored.
My Saturday post.https://t.co/FZsE8GY61i
— Olúseun Onígbińdé (@seunonigbinde) September 13, 2019
