Twitter ban, Naira redesign: 9 Controversial moments in Buhari’s eight years reign

As President Muhammadu Buhari prepares to conclude his eight-year tenure and hand over power to Bola Tinubu, there is a mixed reaction among Nigerians regarding his presidency. In this report, FRESHREPORTERS examines the most controversial moments that occurred during President Buhari’s time in office.

1. Twitter Ban

One of the major controversies during President Buhari’s tenure was the ban on Twitter. After the social media platform deleted one of the President’s posts, which was deemed offensive by many, Nigerians had to rely on virtual private networks (VPNs) to access Twitter for over six months.

The ban affected individuals who used Twitter for economic activities and journalists who relied on it for news gathering.

2. EndSARS – Lekki Toll Gate Incident

The Lekki Toll Gate incident on October 20 remains one of the most controversial moments in Nigeria’s recent history. It involved a protest against police brutality that escalated into a tragic event.

Some view it as a massacre carried out by the military against peaceful protesters, while others claim it was a staged event to discredit the government. This incident sparked a powerful movement and had a significant impact on the subsequent elections.

3. Invasion of Judges’ Houses

In March 2016, Nigeria’s secret police conducted a controversial invasion of the homes of several senior judicial officers.

This act was seen by many as an attack on the judiciary and an infringement on the principle of separation of powers. While the government justified the invasion as a fight against corruption, it received significant backlash from Nigerians.

4. Border Shutdown

President Buhari ordered the shutdown of Nigeria’s land borders in a bid to curb smuggling from neighboring countries.

The policy had immediate effects on food prices, particularly rice, and car imports. While the government credits the policy for the “rice revolution,” many Nigerians perceive it as an “anti-trade” policy that impacted the economy negatively.

5. Invasion of Nnamdi Kanu’s House

The invasion of Nnamdi Kanu’s house in 2017 marked a turning point in the Southeast region. Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), went into hiding following the invasion, leading to increased insecurity in the region.

President Buhari’s refusal to release Kanu despite pleas further intensified tensions in the area.

6. Nomination of Deceased Individuals

In a surprising turn of events, President Buhari nominated several deceased individuals for appointments in 2017. This sparked outrage and raised questions about the thoroughness of the nomination process.

7. Shi’a El-Zakzaky Controversy

The clash between the former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai’s convoy, and Shi’a members resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 Shi’a members. The arrest and detention of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, and his wife further escalated tensions, leading to protests and confrontations with the police.

8. Invasion of the National Assembly by DSS

The Department of State Services (DSS) carried out a siege on the National Assembly complex in Abuja, catching even the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, by surprise.

This invasion was seen as an affront to the legislature and an attempt to undermine Osinbajo’s authority. The subsequent arrest and removal of the DSS Director General, Lawal Daura, by Osinbajo demonstrated a response to the breach.

9. Naira Scarcity

The redesigning of the Naira by the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, led to a scarcity of the currency and caused significant economic challenges for Nigerians. The policy faced backlash, and even led to social unrest.

The scarcity of the Naira had severe consequences, including the loss of lives, the burning of banks, and the potential threat of a violent uprising. The policy not only divided public opinion but also created divisions within the ruling party, with speculations of hidden agendas and a possible takeover of the government by influential actors.

As President Buhari’s eight-year reign comes to an end, these controversial moments leave a lasting impact on the nation’s history. Supporters of the President hail his achievements and leadership, while critics express their concerns and frustrations over the handling of these contentious issues.

Ultimately, it is the collective assessment of these moments that will shape the perception of President Buhari’s tenure in the years to come.