President Muhammadu Buhari has come under harsh criticism for sending a Sallah message to Nigerians in Hausa Language.
It was the first time the stricken President who left Nigeria on May 7 for further medical examination in the United Kingdom would speak directly to his compatriots.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the recorded message, released by Aso Rock on Sunday, was to dismiss reports that Buhari was suffering speech impairment.
Rather than have the desired effect, the speech became a PR nightmare as critics accused the President of pursuing an ethinc agenda.
Buhari said in the message which took about one minute and three seconds to deliver, “I am immensely grateful to God for his mercy in guiding us successfully to conclude another Ramadan. My greetings to all Nigerian Muslims and our brother Christians on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.
“May the lessons of Ramadan, namely piety, self-denial, prayers and generosity to the poor and the needy, be with us for all time.
“I, again, appeal to all Nigerians to avoid reckless statements or actions against our fellow countrymen. We should all resolve to live in peace and unity in our great country, which is the envy of many less-endowed nations.”
The fact that the message was delivered in Buhari’s native Hausa Language did not go down well with many.
Coming barely 24 hours after the president’s media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, had issued a similar Sallah message to Nigerians in the country’s official English Language, Nigerians were unsparing in the criticism of the President.
The president can’t be gone for 50 days with no sight of him, only for his team to release an audio in Hausa language, bad PR. ??
— Rosanwo (@rosanwo) June 25, 2017
So I guess Nigerians should start learning Hausa since we are now getting addressed as a Nation in Hausa language.
— Ebuka Akara (@ebuka_akara) June 26, 2017
“So Bubu is now speaking only Hausa now, he does not even want me to hear what he’s saying again” pic.twitter.com/VMsmL5JEOx
— BILLION (@BillionTwiTs) June 26, 2017
Did Buhari expect Yoruba Muslims, Igala Muslims, all non Hausa-speaking Muslims to learn Hausa if they want to understand his Eid message?
— Nedu Ekeke #BBOG (@Nedunaija) June 25, 2017
Imagine how I would have felt if Obasanjo addressed the nation in Yoruba or GEJ in Ijaw. Whoever told Buhari to speak in Hausa is shallow
— H.A.Hayatu (@HAHayatu) June 25, 2017
NUMBER 1 opposition to ?? @NGRPresident @MBuhari isn’t @OfficialPDPNig but his handlers. The PMB #EidulFitr Hausa broadcast is an OWN GOAL.? pic.twitter.com/LZn5ge01Kg
— Kayode Ogundamisi (@ogundamisi) June 25, 2017
Broadcast in Hausa? How can a NATIONAL leader address Nigerians in a SECTIONAL language? Nigeria has never had a leader as divisive as PMB!
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) June 25, 2017
So PMB sent out sallah message in Hausa today, after more than one month abroad. How nice! President of the North, ranka dede baba.
— Àṣàkẹ́ (@Omodayo2) June 25, 2017
