President Bola Tinubu has faced widespread criticism from Nigerian netizens after posting a solidarity message to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) condemning Iran's attacks on its civilian and economic infrastructure. In a message on his official X account on Thursday night, Tinubu expressed support for defensive measures taken by the UAE leadership.
The statement comes amid Iran's 2026 barrage of over 2,800 missiles and drones targeting UAE sites such as data centers, ports, energy facilities, and telecoms, in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes. Tinubu said, "Nigeria is for global peace and stability and for its friends and partners anywhere. I am particularly concerned by the attacks on UAE's civilian and economic infrastructure. I reaffirm my support and solidarity to the President of UAE and the measures he took to safeguard civilian populations and critical infrastructure."
However, Nigerian X users heavily criticized the president's post, arguing that it ignores domestic terrorism, kidnappings, and banditry while focusing on foreign affairs. Many echoed the sentiment that "charity begins at home."
UnkleAyo wrote: "You stand with UAE but 400 citizens are currently unaccounted for. What will be their fate? These are people you stole a mandate, with the pretense of defending. Bola. What will be their fate?"
Udo Eteem reacted: "Sir, 15 young students were abducted along Calabar water ways travelling to Oron for the JAMB exams, since Friday, till today nothing is been done about it. President dey instead condole with the people of UAE… Who we offend?"
Lamenting, Ray Baba wrote: "How can people still defend this man when 400 of his citizens are about to be slain? Even if he's your tribes man, can we at least be logical please? This isn't even hate on the president, it's just gross incompetence. Anywhere else in the world, he would have been asked to resign."
Victor Ocha added: "Sycophancy at its peak. Never issued a statement about killing of people in Nigeria."
