Nigerians React to Buhari’s Praise of Turkey’s Referendum

President Buhari

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES TURKEY ON SUCCESSFUL REFERENDUM

 

President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with the people and government of Turkey on the successful conclusion of the country’s referendum on Monday.

 

President Buhari congratulates Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for the foresight and maturity of leading his people to the polls to decide on the future of leadership for the country that will further deepen peace and stability.

 

The President believes the referendum showcases the democratic credentials of the country and reflects a willingness of the Turkish people to live together and jointly pursue a better future.

 

Femi Adesina 

Special Adviser to the President

Media& Publicity

April 18, 2017.

 

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The above statement posted on Facebook by Femi Adesina, the presidential special adviser on media and publicity on Tuesday, has been trailed with mixed reactions and criticisms from some Nigerians who think President Buhari is hypocritical for congratulating the government of Turkey on the successful conclusion of the country’s referendum.

 

On Monday, April 17, 2017, the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, conducted and concluded a referendum, which was held to determine whether its president should have sweeping or executive powers, because the country operates a parliamentary democracy in which presidents are often nominal heads.

 

Few minutes after Adesina posted Buhari’s congratultory message on Facebook, people started reacting to president’s commendation.

 

Some criticised the president for congratulating Turkey while refusing to accede to the demands of pro-Biafra campaigners for a referendum who have been calling for a referendum for the south-east to determine its continued existence in Nigeria.

 

Reacting to the president’s statement, Ibrahim Sarafa, a Facebook user, wrote: “And here people are brazenly (shoot-at), hounded into prison whenever they ask for referendum.”

 

Afolabi Gambari, also a Facebook user, wrote: “If only Nigeria, the giant of Africa can be like this… unfortunately it looks more like dream, if not a mirage."

 

"It’s high time Nigeria did the same,” Terseer Gundu, another Facebook user, wrote.

 

Hugo Odiogor also wrote; "Really do why is he killing IPOB members who want a referendum the state of Biafra?  Does he understand what is a referendum or just wants to be heard?"