President Muhammadu Buhari has come under criticism in the social media space over his speedy congratulatory message to the president-elect of United States, Joe Biden while he has contined to ward off the responsibility of addressing Nigerians on the ugly incident of shootings of protesters at Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2020.
Most of the netizens who criticised Buhari on Twitter are of the opinion that he (Buhari) pays less attention to governance at home but acts promptly and quick to make remarks on international affairs.
Buhari in his congratulatory message, said Biden was coming “at a time of uncertainty and fear in world affairs…With your election, we look forward to greater cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, especially at economic, diplomatic and political levels, including the war against terrorism,” Buhari said in a press statement issued by his media office.
“Your election is a significant reminder that democracy is the best form of government because it offers the people the opportunity to change their government by peaceful means,” he said, adding that “the most powerful group are not the politicians, but voters who can decide the fate of the politicians at the polling booth”
The message, however, elicited condemnations from some Nigerians who have been demanding end to police brutality as well as pressuring the Buhari-led government to answer questions on the shootings of unarmed #ENDSARS protesters at Lekki toll gate in Lagos.
Some of the reactions:
Buhari @MBuhari has zero integrity. At his age, his words never match his actions. What a waste of existence! https://t.co/Aclwr6bDdK
— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) November 7, 2020
US Elections is NOT yet officially over but see how fast our dear President already congratulated the projected/predicted winner. All this within 3hours of major news channels announcements.
But Nigerians were shot in Lekki,
And Buhari NEVER talked about it for over 17 Days now. https://t.co/4ZksisiP2N— #OurFavOnlineDoc ????? (@DrOlufunmilayo) November 7, 2020
That was quick.
— Uche Jombo Rodriguez (@uchejombo) November 7, 2020
But peaceful protesters were harassed and killed in Nigeria. Passport was seized. CBN blocked accounts of alleged protest organisers. Don’t lecture us about democracy. We don’t enjoy that under you. No one wants a change of government. Just do what is right by young people. https://t.co/TZ3PiSKi0Y
— Dr. Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) November 7, 2020
I’m sure Nigerians are shocked how Buhari could send a congratulatory message to @biden at the speed of light. But #EndSARS took him weeks to respond, till now we’re still struggling with it.
— Etietop Timbre (@etietop_eshiet) November 7, 2020
“The most powerful group are not the politicians, but voters who can decide the fate of the politicians at the polling booth”-General @MBuhari to @JoeBiden
Biden, don’t listen to this hypocrite who sent soldiers to kill his own ‘voters’ who were protesting #EndSARS peacefully!
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) November 7, 2020
Our blogger and vlogger has picture for every occasion. Buhari @MBuhari kenan! Anything for the camera!
Shey dem talk say the first appointment wey e make na photographer own?
?????
He knew what his priorities were. https://t.co/bbhLeYfS2v— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) November 7, 2020