The former senator representing Bayelsa East under the Peoples Democratic Party, Ben Murray-Bruce, has called on Nigerians to stop criticizing their leaders over what he described as bad governance.
He made the appeal on Sunday during the Silvervird ‘Man of the Year 2024’ award presentation to Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
“Those of you on social media, those of you who are all over the world, stop criticising Nigeria; stop criticising our leaders. Okay, we need a break. Stop criticising us. We need a break,” Mr. Bruce said during the event.
He continued, “Alright, that’s all we request. Give us a break. We’re a young human team…we make mistakes, but stop insulting our leaders and stop criticising us.”
Governor Oyebanji was accompanied at the event by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, Nigerian Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and other political figures.
Mr. Bruce’s appeal came in the wake of ongoing criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, which have led to significant hardships for Nigerians. Recently, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) summoned Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a corps member serving in Lagos, after she posted a viral video on TikTok criticizing the president. In the video, Ms. Uguamaye stated, “I don’t know if there is any other president that is as terrible as you, but you are such a terrible president.”
