By Tanko Magudu
Critics and political observers, according to reports circulating across various media platforms, have turned the tables on Denge Josef Onoh, former South-East spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over his recent attack on the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hon. Hannatu Musawa.
Those critical of Onoh allege that his outburst against the minister smacks of hypocrisy and misplaced aggression, arguing that his intervention ignored what they describe as unresolved performance concerns within his own immediate political circle. They contend that Onoh’s attempt to question Musawa’s focus and delivery has instead drawn attention to issues he has allegedly chosen to sidestep.
According to these critics, before publicly scrutinising a minister they describe as visible and productive, Onoh ought to have addressed what they allege is the underwhelming performance of his sister, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Reports attributed to the critics claim that since Ambassador Bianca’s appointment in October 2024 during a cabinet reshuffle intended to strengthen efficiency, there has been little public evidence of enhanced diplomatic engagement, notable foreign policy breakthroughs, or improved global perception of Nigeria. They describe her tenure as low-key at a time when Nigeria’s foreign relations, insecurity narratives, and international advocacy demand sustained visibility and strategic messaging.
The critics further accuse Onoh of selective outrage, arguing that ongoing concerns about Nigeria’s global image fall squarely within the remit of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. They allege that the perceived absence of strong diplomatic signalling since Ambassador Bianca’s appointment has raised questions which Onoh has conspicuously avoided addressing.
In contrast, the same critics maintain that Hon. Hannatu Musawa has remained focused and proactive, consistently driving policy conversations and initiatives in culture, tourism, and the creative economy; sectors they say are critical to job creation, revenue growth, and national identity under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. On this basis, they describe Onoh’s attack on Musawa as ironic and misdirected.
The critics also reference Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu’s previous political outings, noting that despite her late husband’s prominence as leader of APGA, she reportedly failed on two occasions to secure the party’s senatorial ticket for Anambra South. According to them, this outcome reflects internal party resistance and lingering doubts about her political appeal.
One critic, quoted in reports making the rounds, stated: “Bianca Ojukwu has never won her polling unit for APGA except in the last governorship race. If performance is the benchmark, then Denge Josef Onoh clearly picked the wrong target and ended up indicting himself.”
The critics further questioned how Onoh could, in their words, disparage a minister they regard as performing while defending a public record they describe as controversial. They allege that Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu’s public profile has been shaped less by electoral success or measurable achievements and more by prolonged legal disputes surrounding the estate of her late husband.
