A controversial social media post has stirred heated debate online after a man suggested severe punishment for Nigerians who publicly praise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.
The comment, shared on X, quickly drew mixed reactions, with users fiercely divided over Tinubu’s policies, reforms, and the country’s current direction.
Post that sparked the backlash
The post was made by an X user identified as Abu Amir, a member of the Obidient movement and supporter of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Abu Amir argued that many Tinubu supporters were driven by personal gain rather than genuine belief in national progress.
He wrote: “Supporting Tinubu because you stand to personally benefit something is okay but telling us that you support Tinubu because he’s going to move this country forward should be punishable by death.”
The statement immediately attracted attention, with many Nigerians condemning the language while others focused on the wider political message.
Supporters defend Tinubu’s leadership
Some users strongly defended President Tinubu, insisting that his administration is already laying the foundation for long-term national growth.
M.O.E wrote: “Tinubu is leading Nigeria to a new dawn, an era of growth, progress and shared prosperity. Tinubu will succeed. Nigeria shall be great. God Bless Nigeria.”
Smart Jem also supported the president’s policies, questioning critics of the current direction.
He wrote: “But Tinubu is going to move the country forward na. Country dey on this kine trajectory you’re still saying it’s not progress????”
Another supporter, Chico, described Tinubu’s policies as difficult but necessary for future gains.
He said: “Tinubu has so far the best reforms of any president. It looks hard now but if sustained will transform our dear nation.”
Citizens list gains and personal experiences
Some Nigerians pointed to visible changes they claim to have experienced under the current administration.
Adepoju wrote: “Didirin, let me tell why I have no regret. I get almost 24 hours light. I don’t see mo fuel queue any more. No most pipeline vandalism. Car smuggling discouraged. Student loan we though was impossible, Dual forex unification…. I can go on.”
These comments highlighted how personal experiences often shape political loyalty and public opinion.
Critics say hardship outweighs promises
Others rejected the praise, insisting that economic hardship has worsened and that government supporters are ignoring everyday struggles.
John wrote: “Benefit from Tinubu if you like, but stop pretending it’s about Nigeria’s future. This government has brought more hardship than hope, and no amount of spin can hide that.”
Akamel drew parallels with past administrations, warning against repeating old narratives.
He said: “The same people who told us Buhari’s “reforms” was a necessary pain and that we were going to rip the benefits. But once Buhari left office, they started screaming how Tinubu needed time to fix all that Buhari destroyed. Give them another 10 years and it will be same story.”
The exchange reflects Nigeria’s deep political divide, as citizens continue to debate whether current reforms will deliver lasting progress or prolonged hardship.