Former Federal Lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani has weighed in on the social media nicknaming of President Bola Tinubu as “T-pain.”
Speaking during an interview with Arise TV from 14:25, Shehu Sani emphasized that such name-calling, along with debate and criticism, falls squarely within the ambit of democracy.
The former Lawmaker explained that democratic engagement naturally includes a diversity of opinions, some of which may come across as criticism or humor.
Sani stated that Nigerians have the right to call their leaders by nicknames. He highlighted that anyone vying for public office should expect scrutiny and understand that the “crown is not all about flowers; it’s also about thorns.”
Sani pointed to former President Muhammadu Buhari as an example, recalling how he was often referred to as “Baba Go Slow” by critics due to perceptions of his administration’s slow decision-making.
He stated that Tinubu, given his political background and history, should be prepared to face similar critiques and nicknames, as he himself had criticized others when they held public office.
He said, “Nigeria is a democratic state, debate, criticism and even nicknaming, is all within the ambit of democracy. People can call their President anything they want because he is president. If you aspire for public office, you should know the crown is not all about flowers; it’s also about thorns. The last president of this country, Buhari, was called ‘baba go slow,’ Heaven did not fall. He is the president, and he has the history of the struggle, and he should know that he should be able to accept criticism as he criticized others when they are also in public office.”