Nigerians have taken to social media to voice their opinions at what happened at the NationalHonours conferment held in Abuja on Tuesday, particularly, the snubbing of President Buhari by Teni one of the awardees.
Newsonline reports that Teniola Apata, popularly called Teni was among the awardees honoured with the prestigious MON by President Buhari for her contribution to national development in the entertainment industry.
However, a video of the musician at the conferment ceremony showed that Teni did not shake the president after she received the award, an attitude many Nigerians are interpreting.
While some Nigerians see Teni’s display at the event as direct to the office of the president of the country, others said Teni used the opportunity of the award conferment to register her displeasure with the suffering of the masses under President Buhari, and also the Lekki massacre in 2020, which happened under Buhari’s administration. Some said Teni had done no wrong.
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Adamu Garba, President Buhari ardent supporter in reaction to the video said, “Not just Teni, anyone who is happy or deems it fit to disrespect the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should be ashamed of him/herself.
“The presidency is a sacred office. Anyone who berates that office is an illegitimate, ungrateful Nigerian citizen.”
Social media influencer, Rinu Oduala in her reaction to those that said Teni disrespected the president said, “If I was Teni, once I reached that stage and collected the award, I would kneel down immediately and clean Buhari’s shoes.
“I would not stop there but proceed to donate myself to a lifetime of servanthood.
“I must show absolute & total respect! Especially as a woman, you know.”
Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong said, “Many Nigerians have a perverted and hypocritical sense of respect for political office holders. Those who are elected to serve are servants of the citizens and not their bosses.”
He added, “A society where citizens are constantly told to ”respect” politicians who keep treating them with disdain is a sick society. Respect should be earned. It should never be automatic. If you want citizens to respect you, lead respectably.”
Teni no send una president oooo 😌❤️ Love it… na weyrey plenty pass for this app, if she shaked him ( na wahala), she no still shake am,na still wahala
• Teni • Ezra • Chioma • Neymar #PrayForRicoSwavey pic.twitter.com/1tN4QhpQqC
— Gbolahan 🤴 (@gbollygram) October 11, 2022
