Twitter users have sparked a new online trend, “Terrible President,” in reaction to Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The trend has gained momentum as Nigerians express frustration over the president’s handling of the political crisis in the region.
In a nationwide broadcast late Tuesday, President Tinubu voiced grave concerns over the escalating tensions, specifically pointing to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s alleged role in the demolition of the State House of Assembly complex. The president emphasized that decisive action was necessary to restore stability and uphold the rule of law in the state.
Following a comprehensive assessment of the situation, Tinubu officially announced the implementation of emergency measures, set to take effect from March 18.
As part of these emergency measures, Tinubu ordered the immediate suspension of Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, for a period of six months. Additionally, all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were removed from their positions, citing the need for administrative restructuring during this period of political instability.
In their place, the president appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the interim Administrator of Rivers State. Ibas has been tasked with overseeing governance, ensuring law and order, and stabilizing the state’s political atmosphere while the emergency remains in effect.
However, the declaration has sparked intense backlash among Nigerians, many of whom have taken to Twitter to voice their outrage under the trending hashtag “Terrible President.” Critics argue that Tinubu’s intervention came too late and is a disproportionate response, particularly when compared to other states experiencing severe security and governance crises.
Social media users have accused the president of selective intervention and questioned why similar emergency measures have not been implemented in states grappling with terrorism and other violent conflicts. The trend “Terrible President” has since flooded Twitter, with thousands of Nigerians openly criticizing Tinubu’s leadership.
A number of prominent Twitter users shared their thoughts:
@ayejubaa: “Even in a state where terrorists are collecting taxes and have taken over some local governments, this terrible president refused to declare a state of emergency. So why Rivers State?”
@Mr commonsense: “One of the many reasons to show Tinubu is a Terrible President.”
@Chioma1323: “Are you not a terrible president? On the day of your inauguration, fuel went from 280 naira to 400 naira. Who the fvck do you people think you are?”
@Mrs Zanga: “What a lawless country with a terrible president.”
@Ife Salako: “People are not even speaking up enough. The terrible President said worse things about past Presidents. Now nobody can say anything against him. Again, like Professor Wole Soyinka said, ‘The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny.’ Ire o.”
@Royalspotlight: “Tell me why Tinubu won’t go down in history as the worst and most terrible president. Instead of calling Wike to order, you are declaring a state of emergency, as if other states have not had it worse…. Tueh!”
@Mister_mash: “What is this madness? A few days ago, you were dubbed ‘a terrible president,’ and today you went ahead to prove it. How on earth do you usurp the powers of a governor? This is clearly a coup d’état. This clown came to destroy the very fabric of democracy in this country.”
With the situation escalating both online and offline, political analysts warn that this decision could have lasting implications for Tinubu’s administration and the country’s democratic stability. Meanwhile, many Nigerians continue to await further developments as reactions pour in from various sectors of society.