Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has faced criticism on social media after defending President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with some Nigerians recalling protests against former President Goodluck Jonathan over fuel prices, insecurity and the rising cost of living.
Key Highlights
- Jide Kosoko says Nigeria’s situation is not as bad as critics claim.
- He spoke on Talk To B, a podcast hosted by Biola Adebayo.
- He cited the student loan scheme as proof of progress under Tinubu.
- Social media users recall his alleged opposition to Jonathan when petrol was ₦97.
Kosoko, who spoke during an appearance on Talk To B, a podcast hosted by actress Biola Adebayo, argued that Nigeria’s current situation was not as bad as some people portray it.
The actor urged Nigerians to consider the country’s condition before Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, insisting that the administration is working to address inherited challenges.
“Things are not as bad as some people have claimed and they need to understand. Go and check the majority of those people. Before Tinubu came, what were they eating?” he said.
When asked what evidence ordinary Nigerians can point to as proof that the president is fixing the country, Kosoko cited the student loan scheme and government support promised for graduates struggling to secure employment.
He also argued that political ambition is preventing some Nigerians, particularly opposition figures, from acknowledging what he considered progress under the administration.
“Those in the opposition know the truth. They know that the man is on the right track, but ambition is affecting their thinking,” Kosoko said.
Social Media Backlash
However, his comments triggered criticism from social media users, some of whom questioned the comparison between the economic conditions under Jonathan and those under Tinubu.
One X user, @Jojo, recalled protests against Jonathan when petrol prices were significantly lower, contrasting the situation with the current cost of fuel and rice.
“One bastard here rose on his feet and fought against Jonathan when fuel price was #97 and further reduced to #87. Bag of rice was #7,000 then. This man marched against him,” the user wrote.
The post continued: “Now, fuel is above #1,400 (for those with access to filling station o). Bag of rice is over #70k. But suddenly, things are not as bad as they used to be.”
The user concluded with a condemnation of anyone who claimed that conditions had improved despite the hardship faced by Nigerians.
Another user, @Amakelse, also criticised Kosoko, alleging that he had opposed Jonathan when petrol prices were lower.
“This was the same useless man that came out against Jonathan when fuel was #97 naira then…. these are some of the citizens we need to eradicate to make this country a better place,” the user wrote.
Similarly, @ChymaSenator questioned the actor’s position, referring to the protests against Jonathan and arguing that public figures should be judged by the consistency of their words and actions.
“But things was badder when you idiots gathered to remove Jonathan abi, this is the reasons why some of us don’t really respect some people with grey hair, not all, now we respect people that have earned it by words, practice and integrity over the years,” the user posted.
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Another commenter, @Piousab, criticised Kosoko’s defence of the administration and referred to reports of food distribution to Nigerians amid the economic hardship.
“Agba alatenuje, see as they are sharing bread for our people, isnt this despicable and shameful..oju o de ti yin sir, eni ti ju.., Tinubu has really expose all of you, yeyebrities. I hope you realised there is life after Tinubu’s Presidency,” the user wrote.
Meanwhile, @4buchi compared the public response to fuel price increases under different administrations, arguing that the current situation had generated a different level of public reaction.
“Anything that makes Nigerians say buhari tenure is better than Tinubu’s, know that we are in hot soup. Jonathan increased fuel from 68 to 89; protests everywhere in Ojota. Now fuel is 1,350; no protests; everywhere is silent. Foolish people grow old,” the user stated.
Another user, @gattib, also recalled the opposition to Jonathan’s government, claiming that Kosoko had actively criticised the former President over insecurity, inflation and other national concerns.
The Wider Debate
The reactions reflect the continuing political debate over the state of Nigeria’s economy, the removal of petrol subsidies, rising living costs and how successive administrations should be assessed.
Tinubu’s government has defended its economic reforms as necessary to stabilise the economy, while critics have highlighted the immediate impact of higher fuel prices and inflation on households and businesses.
Kosoko, who said he had been involved in politics since 1978, maintained that Nigerians should pay attention to government initiatives rather than allow political interests to shape their assessment of the administration.
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