Premium News
A public war of words occurred on X (formerly Twitter) between the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, over comments on vandalism and the use of language.
The exchange, which occurred on Sunday, was triggered by a report on alleged vandalism of rehabilitation work on the Ilesha–Ibadan Expressway.
Reacting to the report, Onanuga, via his X handle @aoanuga1956, condemned the act and called for severe punishment for those involved.
“Just shoot these unconscionable vandals/thieves at sight. They are worst species of citizenships,” Onanuga wrote in a post.
Hours later, Shaibu responded through his handle, @phrankangel, faulting the statement and describing it as inappropriate for a government official.
“As a government spokesman, you cannot call for citizens to be ‘shot at sight.’ That is not law enforcement, it is lawlessness. Anyone who talks like this has no business in public office,” Shaibu said.
He added that criminal acts should be addressed through established legal processes rather than extrajudicial measures, warning that such rhetoric could set a dangerous precedent.
Later the same day, Shaibu returned to the post to point out what he described as a grammatical error in Onanuga’s statement, arguing that the correct expression should be “shoot on sight” rather than “shoot at sight.”
Onanuga replied on Monday, dismissing the criticism and insisting that both expressions were acceptable.
“Foolish boy. Both usages are correct. Upgrade your grammar,” he wrote.
Shaibu responded with a detailed explanation, maintaining that “shoot on sight” is a fixed idiom in English and should not be altered.
The exchange, which drew attention from social media users, highlighted not only differing views on public communication and law enforcement but also an unusual debate over grammar between aides to two of Nigeria’s leading political figures.
As of the time of filing this report, Onanuga had not responded to Shaibu’s latest remarks.
Re: ‘shoot on sight’: Onanuga & Atiku’s aide clash over idioms & grammatical errors by LagosOrigin: 3:05pm On Feb 02
Government of Agbero and semi illiterates
37 Likes 3 SharesShare
Re: ‘shoot on sight’: Onanuga & Atiku’s aide clash over idioms & grammatical errors by Burob: 3:24pm On Feb 02
LagosOrigin:
Government of Agbero and semi illiterates
Just a pity with all your intelligence & eloquence, that they are the ones with sovereignty ruling over you, the ones you still have to say yes sir to whenever u meet & greet them.
18 Likes 2 SharesShare
Re: ‘shoot on sight’: Onanuga & Atiku’s aide clash over idioms & grammatical errors by sultanodudua: 3:36pm On Feb 02
70 years old f00l. If you add bayo na you sabi.
14 Likes 2 SharesShare
Re: ‘shoot on sight’: Onanuga & Atiku’s aide clash over idioms & grammatical errors by adetoya234: 3:38pm On Feb 02
A man who should be playing a role of a statesman is still acting like a toddler.
10 Likes 4 SharesShare
Re: ‘shoot on sight’: Onanuga & Atiku’s aide clash over idioms & grammatical errors by fergie001: 4:16pm On Feb 02
You wan follow Phrank fight for Grammar?
I remember Phrank’s “Mind Your Grammar” Days on NTA.
rack your brain
More power to your elbow
You cannot have your cake and eat it…
Kai, I go school small.nah 😂
12 Likes 1 ShareShare
Re: ‘shoot on sight’: Onanuga & Atiku’s aide clash over idioms & grammatical errors by Wolexyoshi(m): 4:26pm On Feb 02
Baba took the best decision by not replying again, hence Shaibu will roast him with grammatical expressions.
I love watching Shaibu’s interview because of his spoken INGLISHI – Dude is so good with the line of Education he chose.
19 Likes 1 ShareShare
Re: ‘shoot on sight’: Onanuga & Atiku’s aide clash over idioms & grammatical errors by owobokiri(m): 4:36pm On Feb 02
Onanuga is a power drunk executive ra-sc-al.
No multi ethnic state should have such rampaging tribalist anywhere near the sit of power. Dude is full of village hate and sees his problems
