[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he founder of Stanbic IBTC, Atedo Peterside, has drawn reactions from Nigerians after he dubbed the president’s inaugural speech dubious.

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Recall that Freelanews reports that Nigeria’s new president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was today sworn in as the sixteenth leader of the country.

In making reference to the election that brought him in, among other things, President Tinubu stated that the election was fairly won and of better quality. READ FULL TEXT HERE

In this vein, may I offer a few comments regarding the election that brought us to this juncture? It was a hard-fought contest. And it was also fairly won. Since the advent of the Fourth Republic, Nigeria has not held an election of better quality.

While acknowledging that the speech was a good one, Peterside claimed that the line claiming the election was of better quality was a dubious statement.

“Good speech by @officialABAT on 29 May, 2023, but it would have been better still if he had resisted the temptation to smuggle in a few dubious & needlessly controversial statements. E.g: “Since the advent of the 4th Republic, Nigeria has not held an election of better quality,” the politician, who favoured former Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, wrote.

His take didn’t sit well with many Nigerians, who felt his statement is unpatriotic.

According to Enopura Jonah-Eteli, he believed the businessman made the statement out of hatred for the nation.

“Some persons just hate Nigeria. And unfortunately, you are one of them, Sir,” he wrote.

“Your pains must be so excruciating… Our President is BOLA AHMED TINUBU NOT Mr. Giringory Obi your packaged fraud,” Adesina Adeyemi responded.

Ituma Sunny wrote: You support Peter Obi sir, and there is nothing president Tinubu will do or say that will make sense to you. I know you wished it was Peter Obi speaking on that stage, but alas, NO. The election was perfect, but it showed some elements of perfection. Votes counted.

In his own response, a human rights activisit, ‘Segun Awosanya, popularly known as SEGA L’éveilleur®, while cautioning the Stanbic IBTC founder to act responsibly, believed it was too early in the day to find fault or seek what to be offended by.

“Distinguished sir, your preference is not universal even though you’re entitled to it.

“It’s highly unlikely that what you want is what everyone wants. It’s unrealistic to believe that there is only one appropriate standard for value, observance, speed or performance in any given situation.

“He made his speech based on his reality and that cannot be invalidated. You may argue otherwise without casting aspersions or deeming his point of view dubious.

“Let’s start on a peaceful note if indeed we want to build Nigeria. It’s too early in the day to find fault or seek what to be offended by.

“The younger generations are watching us all and it’s best not to incite anyone needlessly. These impressionable ones will be here long after we are all gone. Just saying.

“Let’s be responsible. 🤷🏾‍♂️” he submitted.

Rtn. Victor Ojelabi

Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.