Mixed reactions have trailed the statement by Sarah Ibrahim, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who said President Bola Tinubu should protest against himself. She noted that Tinubu protested when fuel was sold at 141 naira per litre during his time in the opposition, but under his administration, the same commodity now sells at 1450 naira.
Ibrahim made the comment while delivering a speech at the national summit of opposition political party leaders held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Saturday, April 25. Her statement reads in part: "This same president protested when fuel was 141 naira, today, fuel is 1450 naira... I think at this rate, our current president needs to start protesting against himself..."
Nigerians React to the Statement
Many Nigerians have taken to social media to share their views on her claim. Below are some of the reactions:
Dapo Adesina described her claim as an emotional soundbite: "At some point, we have to move past emotional soundbites and actually engage with the substance. Not everyone with a microphone is adding value; some are just amplifying noise. On this fuel matter, I’d rather deal with facts than recycled outrage."
Diamond defended Sarah Ibrahim: "Serah Ibrahim just spoke the bitter truth. At this rate, Baba should organise a protest against himself. The subsidy was a corrupt scam, no doubt. But removing it the way he did, without showing mercy, is bad. Without real palliatives, without working refineries, how did he think it would work? While their own children are enjoying themselves abroad is pure wickedness. Ordinary Nigerians are bleeding, yet the elites are untouched. Leadership is not only about bold moves. It’s about feeling the pain you cause. This one is pure hypocrisy. Nigerians are enduring enough."
Azeez Mutiu accused Sarah of lying: "Where you see mumu girl liars when did the president protest against 460 per dollar? Where are you buying your petroleum from at 1450? Must you lie useless girl."
Fadare Oluwaseun recalled that Peter Obi also promised to remove the subsidy: "The promise by Peter Obi - to remove Fuel and FX Subsidies immediately, probably flew over the empty head of Sarah. How she missed not knowing that the removal of these two subsidies is responsible for the increase in the rates further stresses how dull she is."
Mazi Owoblow questioned why the opposition is not protesting: "The opposition should be the ones protesting, and I honestly do not know why the opposition is not protesting. Whatever regime fears the most is opposition protest, and you guys don't like to protest. My question is, why?"
