Minutes after President Muhammadu Buhari finished his first address to the nation in months, Nigerians took to the social media to dissect his words and what it means to them and the future of the nation.
Specifically, the broadcast has caused a storm on Twitter and birthed two top hashtags – #PresidentialBroadcast and #Buhari.
Anticipation for the speech was huge as many things have happened in his absence – increased agitations for secession in the South East, calls for the restructuring of the nation by statesmen and others, a quit notice to Igbos in the north, and an upsurge in Boko Haram attacks.
There were also the protests over the President’s absence and lack of details about his health status and more recently the indefinite nationwide strike by ASUU.
Also, with less than two years to the next general elections, there were talks about a cabinet reshuffle and more from the President. Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, for instance, told Channels Television on Sunday that a cabinet reshuffle was long overdue. A day earlier, Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai said he expected the President to cut down on his work hours and make administrative changes.
Many others were hoping to get some details of the President’s stay in London and his health status, especially as he informed Nigerians after his first trip to London for medical attention that he had never been that sick.
As scheduled, the President, who returned to Nigeria on Saturday, addressed the nation at 7 am on Monday.
In a speech which was less than six minutes long, he spoke about events that occurred in his absence; agitations for secession, use of social media, the war against Boko Haram and the unity of the nation, while also thanking Nigerians for their prayers.
One of the first things the President spoke about was how Nigerians in discussing their affairs crossed the line, especially on the social media.
“Nigerians are robust and lively in discussing their affairs, but I was distressed to notice that some of the comments, especially in the social media have crossed our national red lines by daring to question our collective existence as a nation. This is a step too far,” the President said.
This comment did not go down too well with social media users, especially on Twitter.
Buhari sounded like he’s angry with the social media forgetting that the social media brought him to power
#Presidentialbroadcast— Ghost 👽👽 (@IkhaloOmo) August 21, 2017
Let’s be clear. The #PresidentialBroadcast wasn’t to address important issues about governance. It was a warning to critics and agitators
— YOu SiP_RAiN (@WeSmokeCLouds) August 21, 2017
Coming in2 power, Social Media was so important but criticizing d ills in d government, Social Media has turned bad #PresidentialBroadcast
— Success Adams (@12SAdams) August 21, 2017
The Social Media Buhari & the Presidency is afraid of is same means POTUS @realDonaldTrump uses often. The difference#PresidentialBroadcast
— Success Adams (@12SAdams) August 21, 2017
Social media is a threat to the powers-that-be.
Buhari mentioned it in his inauguration speech two years ago, mentioned it today again.
— Demola Olarewaju (@DemolaRewaju) August 21, 2017
And then there was the matter of the duration of the broadcast. At less than six minutes long, it left many people wanting more.
A speech once in 3 months wont stop the hate speeches, neither can it keep Nigeria united. We deserve more than this! #PresidentialBroadcast
— FAVOUR ONYEOZIRI (@Rouvafe) August 21, 2017
I was hurrying to come sit and watch the baba give speech, only to be told the meeting is over #PresidentialBroadcast
— Treasure (@akara_treasure) August 21, 2017
Baba’s speech lasted for 5minutes addressing *one Nigeria* and *fight against corruption* then *he’s glad to be home* #presidentialbroadcast
— EL-NOVIO 💯 (@_novio_) August 21, 2017
#PresidentialBroadcast short abd straight to the point.
— Joy Zee Emedo (@elegantjoy) August 21, 2017
Short but reassuring broadcast, let the debates commence #PresidentialBroadcast
— ELYT (@The_Afrocentric) August 21, 2017
A very short broadcast. #PresidentialBroadcast
— Cinderella Man (@Osi_Suave) August 21, 2017
Although the President spoke about agitations, Boko Haram, Nigeria’s unity and lasting peace in the country, some felt he should have provided more details and spared a comment for the ongoing indefinite nationwide strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
When ASUU representatives noticed that President Buhari didn’t say anything about them in the #PresidentialBroadcast pic.twitter.com/ajFTd45HRN
— Demola (@uncleDemola) August 21, 2017
#PresidentialBroadcast What about addressing ASSU and other pressing needs, so students sitting at home is less important than social media
— Grace (@G4rGrace) August 21, 2017
Tell Pre Buhari that Social Media is not Nigeria’s problem. Tackle D Issue of Recession, Boko Haram, Asuu & Herdsmen#PresidentialBroadcast
— Osas Cruz (@OsasCruz) August 21, 2017
With regards to the secessionist agitations, the President was categorical in his response, the unity of the nation is not negotiable. His encounter with the late General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in 2003 reinforced his view.
“In 2003, after I joined partisan politics, the late Chief Emeka Ojukwu came and stayed as my guest in my hometown Daura. Over two days we discussed in great depth till late into the night and analyzed the problems of Nigeria. We both came to the conclusion that the country must remain one and united,” the President said.
“Nigeria’s unity is settled and not negotiable. We shall not allow irresponsible elements to start trouble and when things get bad they run away and saddle others with the responsibility of bringing back order, if necessary with their blood.”
One Twitter user believes it should be up to Nigerians to decide.
#PresidentialBroadcast Buhari and Ojukwu alone can not decide the fate of 180 million Nigerians. Nigeria is negotiable.
— Bede Banks (@bedebanks) August 21, 2017
Buhari Just shutdown the Biafra Agitation. #PresidentialBroadcast.
— Cinderella Man (@Osi_Suave) August 21, 2017
#PresidentialBroadcast President @MBuhari ‘s speech was only directed to the Biafran agitation, nothing on the economy. I’m really sad.
— Bede Banks (@bedebanks) August 21, 2017
To the Restructurinistas,Biafranistas,Evictionistas,Sectionalistas,Arewanistas;Nigeria’s unity is settled.
— Senator Shehu Sani (@shehusani) August 21, 2017
Overall, some people were unimpressed.
For former Minister of Education and Co-Convener of the Bring Back Our Girls Group, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, the broadcast represents a missed opportunity.
I can give an instant Citizen’s feedback to President @MBuhari that his Speech this morning was a a terrible case of MISSED OPPORTUNITY. ✍️️
— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) August 21, 2017
#PresidentialBroadcast Very unimpressive disjointed speech!!! pre-recorded &heavily edited!
6 minutes speech to explain 105 days absence!!!!— Tcee 🇳🇬 (@emmaikumeh) August 21, 2017
The speech sounded more like threat than a reunion. I missed you is easier to say than any line in the #PresidentialBroadcast
— Ozii Baba Anieto (@ozii_baba) August 21, 2017
However, some other people find the President’s speech reassuring and are happy to have him back. Senator Shehu Sani is one of them.
The President spoke the mind of Nigerians who cherishes our unity,peace and collective progress.He spoke as a… https://t.co/vA9zUMkOpO
— Senator Shehu Sani (@shehusani) August 21, 2017
This to me was more prove of life than anything else. #PresidentialBroadcast
— SimkaA (@abalisimka) August 21, 2017
I believe in my President let’s support the unity in Nigeria and fight against all he wishes to fight against. #PresidentialBroadcast
— Salisu Faruq Opeyemi (@faruqsalis) August 21, 2017
