A South Africa-based Nigerian cybersecurity expert, Charles Awuzie, has called on presidential aide Bayo Onanuga and former presidential media aide Bashir Ahmad to apologise to Igbos and Nigerians for their past divisive remarks.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Awuzie said both men, who are now preaching unity in the wake of reactions to US President Donald Trump’s threat against Nigeria, had previously made statements that deepened ethnic and religious divisions in the country.

He recalled that Onanuga once claimed Igbo residents in Lagos were not “Lagos enough” to take part in Lagos politics, while Bashir Ahmad publicly declared pride in being called an “Islamic extremist.”

Awuzie said both men must acknowledge their past mistakes and apologise, noting that Nigeria’s unity cannot be achieved without confronting such issues.

He said: “Bayo now knows that if Trump invades Nigeria and things get out of hand, tribalism will melt away and only true nationalism will save us. Bashir is now realising that extremism of any kind is evil against true nationalism.”

According to him, Nigeria remains deeply divided because leaders have benefited from the divisions, while those who advocate unity and patriotism are often ridiculed.

He urged the presidency to ensure that Onanuga apologises, describing his past comments as hurtful to many Nigerians who believe in the vision of one united nation.

Awuzie added that Trump’s recent threat of military action against Nigeria should serve as a wake-up call for national reflection and unity, warning that continued corruption and disunity could make the country vulnerable to foreign exploitation.

He also appealed to Nigerians to prioritise peace and fairness ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that “the world is watching.”

“BAYO Onanuga and Bashir Ahmad: What Have You Both Learnt From This Period?

Bayo is now preaching UNITY. Bayo is calling for EVERY Nigerian, despite tribe, party, or religion, to rally round our sovereign nation, but the same Bayo declared Igbo-Lagosians as not Lagos-enough to participate in Lagos politics.

“We can’t heal as a nation until we speak these truths.

“Bashir Ahmad publicly declared that he’s proud to be called an Islamic extremist. But today, Bashir is preaching a different message.

“But let’s not forget that people like Bayo and Bashir owe Nigerians from the South East and Nigerians of other religions an apology.

“Bayo works for the Presidency. Maybe the President should ensure he apologises. His tweet hurt a lot of people who have invested in Lagos believing in the dream of One Nigeria. A National leader like Bayo should never be seen strengthening the lines that divide us,” part of his post read.

Trump’s threat: Onanuga, Bashir Ahmad should apologise to Igbos, Nigerians – Charles Awuzie