President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to pray that bandits and terrorists abandon their evil ways. The statement, part of his Eid-el-Kabir message on May 26, drew swift backlash.
In the address, Tinubu acknowledged ongoing attacks despite security gains. He assured affected communities they are not forgotten. The president promised decisive action against those who refuse to change.
"Let us pray that those who commit crimes among us may rethink and abandon their evil ways, or face the full weight of the law," he said.
The remark quickly spread on social media. Many users expressed frustration over what they see as a soft approach to a deadly crisis. Critics argue prayers alone cannot stop daily kidnappings and killings.
On X, reactions poured in rapidly. One user questioned how long innocents must pray while burying loved ones. Others mocked the statement as disconnected from ground realities in Zamfara, Katsina, and the northeast.
Supporters defended the message as aligned with Islamic values of compassion and repentance. They noted Tinubu also highlighted military successes, including the elimination of key terror figures.
Yet, the dominant online mood reflected deep anger. Nigerians facing highway fears, abandoned farms, and constant threats want tangible results beyond appeals for divine intervention.
This controversy highlights the administration's security challenges three years in. While officials point to intensified operations, public patience wears thin as banditry and terrorism persist.
As debates rage, the statement underscores a familiar tension: faith in prayer versus urgent demands for effective governance and justice.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!