Nigerian Newspaper Slams Tinubu's Administration as 'House of Spleen'

A scathing critique from Nigeria's "ThisDay" newspaper paints a grim picture of President Bola Tinubu's administration, likening the presidential residence, Aso Rock, to a "House of Spleen" emanating a "noxious stench" across the nation and beyond. The article, penned by Steve Osuji, asserts that the State House under Tinubu has become a place of "sleaze," a stark contrast to its intended role as a "cathedral of our sovereignty."

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The stench from Aso Rock, (Nigeria’s Presidential abode) wafts with dark plumes. Dissipating across the land and beyond Rising like wild gale Piercing the clouds A veritable Incubus And the host of heavens squirm with crumpling noses The noxious stench from Aso Rock Villa wafts across the world…

The author contends that Tinubu's administration is marred by "hoary birth papers to illicit educational credentials," "cartel strategist to political usurpation," and a "suborned electoral mandate, stolen most brazenly." This "odious baggage," the article argues, should have led to an "epitome of prudence and probity," but instead, the current "gang" has "debased and desecrated" the edifice more than in its 35-year history.

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HOUSE OF SLEAZE: That President Bola Tinubu’s State House would become a smelly place was not in doubt. From hoary birth papers to illicit educational credentials. From cartel strategist to political usurpation. It was all a messy stuff ab initio.

"ThisDay" draws a sharp contrast with the previous administration, describing the cabal that served under former President Muhammadu Buhari as a "more mature crew." This group, including figures like Abba Kyari and Mamman Daura, is characterized as "grounded and solid," possessing "diverse backgrounds and bureaucratic experiences." While acknowledging their exploitation of the "rarefied environment" for personal gain, the article suggests they "did well not to create earth shaking scandals" and "understood the magnitude of the office of the president."

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But never was our sacred abode so abused as we have it today.

In contrast, Tinubu's current "kitchen cabinet" in Aso Rock, led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, is labeled a "poorly constituted lot." The article criticizes them as "less tutored and less circumspect," with many members being "small time weasels" who were primarily "personal and domestic staff." The author laments that "none of the current Aso Rock key staff seem to have a grasp of the current call of duty," adding that the First Lady and First Son also "run rampant."

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The Buhari cabal was a more mature crew made up of men with diverse backgrounds and bureaucratic experiences.