Veteran Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku has called on Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the country's challenges predate the current administration and that any successor could be worse. His comments, made during an appearance on The Honest Bunch podcast, have ignited strong reactions across social media, with critics questioning his stance and accusing him of being paid to defend the government—a claim he firmly denied.
Anuku's Defense of Tinubu on The Honest Bunch Podcast
Speaking on the podcast, which was posted to the show's Instagram page and scheduled to premiere by 6 pm on Monday, Anuku insisted that Nigeria's problems existed long before Tinubu took office. He argued that the president deserves more time to implement his policies before being judged by the public.
"Nigeria has to be patient for the renewed hope of this man, and the country was not spoiled by him. There were people there before him. Why didn't they go and attack those people? He has to fix it now," Anuku said.
The actor went further, suggesting that Nigerians have little choice but to allow Tinubu to serve out his full term, warning that a replacement could prove even less effective. "So the devil you know, is better," he added.
Online Reactions and Denial of Payment Claims
The remarks quickly drew criticism online, with many social media users questioning his reasoning. Some accused Anuku of being financially compensated to speak favourably about the administration, an allegation he strongly rejected during the interview.
"No one pays me. How many people can be better than him?" Anuku responded when confronted with the claims.
The controversy comes amid broader public debate over Tinubu's economic reforms and their impact on Nigerians, with supporters and critics clashing over the pace and effectiveness of the administration's policies.
Personal Loss and Faith
Later in the conversation, Anuku opened up about the death of the mother of his children, describing it as a deeply painful loss that led him into depression. He said he still misses her at times but has relied on his faith to cope with the grief.
He also referenced betrayal from people he once considered friends, saying some had turned against him in ways he did not expect. The disclosure echoes comments Anuku made earlier this year, when a video of him undergoing a deliverance session at a church, led by Apostle Leo, went viral.
At the time, he linked a difficult personal period to the same loss, describing himself as having gone through a phase where he felt lost before what he called a spiritual turning point. That period followed a string of videos showing him in evident distress in public, which had prompted concern from fans and calls for public support.
Anuku's Career and Public Image
Anuku, known for his tough-guy roles in Nollywood during the 1990s and 2000s, has remained a recognisable, if increasingly private, figure in the industry in recent years. His latest public comments on Tinubu have thrust him back into the spotlight, though this time for political reasons rather than his acting career.
The podcast appearance marks another chapter in the actor's public life, blending political commentary with personal revelations. His remarks on the president are likely to keep him at the centre of online discussions as Nigerians continue to debate the direction of the country under Tinubu's leadership.
