Obafemi Martins Faces Backlash for Siding With Tinubu Amid Economic Hardship

Nigerian footballer Obafemi Martins has come under fire after posting a quote on Instagram that many perceived as supportive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the country’s ongoing economic struggles.

In the now-deleted post, Martins shared: “It’s easy for those who are greedy to think that change is easy. Change is not about comfort of today, but the success of tomorrow.” The post sparked outrage, with many Nigerians interpreting it as an endorsement of Tinubu’s administration despite widespread hardship.

This controversy follows a similar incident involving Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, who was reportedly cautioned by NYSC officials after criticizing Tinubu’s government in a viral video. In the video, Uguamaye lamented the rising cost of living and stated that she could no longer afford basic necessities with her allowance, calling Tinubu a “terrible president.” Reports suggest that she faced threats from NYSC officials over her remarks, drawing widespread condemnation.

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi weighed in on the issue, criticizing attempts to silence Uguamaye. He emphasized that constructive criticism is essential for democracy and urged the government to respect freedom of speech.

The NYSC has previously warned corps members against criticizing government policies on social media. In April 2022, the NYSC Director-General advised members to refrain from making negative remarks online, urging them to act as “change vanguards” instead.

The backlash against Martins and the controversy surrounding Uguamaye highlight the growing tension between public figures, citizens, and the government amid Nigeria’s economic difficulties.