In response to remarks made by President Bola Tinubu claiming Nigerians are better off than people of other African nations, President William Ruto has criticized Nigeria’s economic situation and English usage.
The clapback came after Tinubu made statements while visiting Bayelsa State, where he defended his administration’s economic policies in spite of rising fuel costs and unveiled important infrastructural projects.
“It is very important that we are honest with our people. Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel price is biting hard, but look around, let us thank God together, that you are better off. Listen to them in Kenya and other African countries and what they are going through. We will not look back. We will continue to find ways to ameliorate the sufferings of the vulnerable,” Tinubu had said.
Ruto refuted the connection in a now-viral video reaction, pointing to Nigeria’s infrastructure problems, especially its ongoing power supply problems, and mocking its use of English.
“We’ve the best human capital anywhere in the world. We just need to sharpen it with more training. Our education is good. Our English is good. We speak the best English in the world. If you listen to a Nigerian speak English, you’ll need a translator. We’ve the best human capital anywhere in the world”, Ruto said in a video first posted by Kenyan Digital News on April 20, using humour to defend his country’s standing.
ENigeria Newspaper noted that the comments are made in the midst of more general economic constraints throughout Africa, such as increased gasoline prices associated with disruptions in global supply, which are partially caused by tensions in the Middle East and worries over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial international oil shipping route.
Was Tinubu right about Kenya?
Nonetheless, while Nigeria continues to struggle with inflation, currency instability, and unpredictable electricity supplies while being one of Africa’s biggest oil producers, Kenya, on the other hand, has established itself as a regional center for technology and finance, despite its economic difficulties, which include mounting debt and pressures from rising living expenses.
This week, parts of Kenya witnessed protests about rising fuel costs and rising living expenses. Hundreds of young people took to the streets on Tuesday to start the protests, which momentarily stopped traffic.
Demonstrators calmly assembled near the Kenya National Archives in Nairobi to play football and sing the national song. However, police quickly intervened, detaining at least 11 protesters and using water cannons in the central business district. The demonstrators were arraigned in court on Wednesday.
