Bashir Ahmad, an aide to President Muhammadu Buhari on new media, has come under attacks on social media for describing the second Niger Bridge as his principal’s “gift” to Nigerians.
The project, which was initiated by the former President Goodluck Jonathan, has been sustained by the Buhari-led government.
Babatunde Fashola, minister of power and housing, had in 2016 cited the significance of the project as the reason why the federal executive council (FEC) approved continuation of work on the bridge.
“The bridge is meant to give relief to the existing Niger Bridge and improve connectivity between the west and the east,” the minister had said.
But in a post on his Twitter handle, Ahmad said Nigerians would remember the Buhari’s government for the “gift” of the project — when it is finally completed — for years to come.
“When the Second Niger Bridge is completed, it will be a gift that will keep the President @MBuhari’s administration in the minds of millions Nigerians for a very long time. #PMBAtWork,” he wrote on Sunday.
When the Second Niger Bridge is completed, it will be a gift that will keep the President @MBuhari’s administration in the minds of millions Nigerians for a very long time. #PMBAtWork pic.twitter.com/uylfbQSRRP
Advertisement— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) May 17, 2020
His comment has, however, generated controversies on social media, particularly on Twitter, where a number of Nigerians have poured out their annoyance.
“Second Niger Bridge will be a gift to Nigerians”.-Bashir Ahmad Buhari used his personal money to build the bridge for Nigerians. What a leader! We are grateful for his philanthropic leadership,” a Twitter user wrote.
“Very kind of him to use his personal money to build Nigerians a bridge. We appreciate,” said another user.
Here’s what some Nigerians had to say:
"Second Niger Bridge will be a gift to Nigerians".-Bashir Ahmad
Buhari used his personal money to build the bridge for Nigerians. What a leader! We are grateful for his philanthropic leadership. 🙏 https://t.co/qq90KyL0fp
Advertisement— Uche Jegbefume (@jaustinuche) May 18, 2020
Very kind of him to use his personal money to build Nigerians a bridge. We appreciate 🙃 https://t.co/Gld6sskFEM
— Dr Hawan jini 🥵🌡 (@cherriesherie) May 18, 2020
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I'm not surprised that Bashir Ahmed believes that the 2nd Niger Bridge is a "gift".
Some (very specific) Nigerians believe that Nigeria & all her resources is their personal estates, that should be run on their own personal terms.
"The Oil in Bayelsa & Delta belongs to Jigawa"
— Mazi @FestusGreen 🇳🇬 (@FestusGreen) May 18, 2020
This Bashir guy always loves talking in the nonsense on behalf of his boss, Buhari.
So construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge and provision of other basic infrastructures is now seen as gifts to Nigerians.
Kai, I blame myself and others who voted for Bubu.
— Benue Breed❄️ (@oyimzy) May 18, 2020
A gift? So your boss's responsibility is now a gift to the people he's supposed to serve. How funny.
The construction and completion of the 2nd Niger bridge changes nothing. Buhari still remains the most incompetent presidential we've ever seen with a very glaring Nepotism. https://t.co/gaPru0SpFd
— Ogechukwu Onye Life (@kingsleynovich) May 18, 2020
Public infrastructure from Govt is not a gift but the core responsibility of the Govt. That said, you are right that whoever completes the project will be leaving an indelible footprints on the mind of the Easteners and most users of that route.
— Emmanuel Eze (@emmaieze) May 17, 2020
If completing the Niger Bridge is a GIFT to Nigerians from the President (according to Sir Bashir) then what exactly are the responsibilities of the President?
Ghosting and Modeling?
— Tife🌚 (@Tife_fabunmi) May 18, 2020
Do you reason at all?, even if he is actually building the bridge, is he using his own resources ? This is the money generated from that region from their natural and ingenuity resources. And you open your mouth to call what is supposed to be their right a gift?, You are sick.
— Ikechukwu Onuoha (@iddomega_onuoha) May 17, 2020
Buhari wan use second niger bridge do ‘forget me not’ for us.
— LiQuid EleCtricity (@jimenez_cartel) May 18, 2020
Bashir is talking based on his understanding. You people should understand his point. Is the second Niger bridge not Buhari's only significant achievement in the past 5 years? pic.twitter.com/5ZGlCbaWyE
— CHESKY (@tweetsofchesky) May 18, 2020
The Second Niger Bridge project was initiated by the former President Goodluck Jonathan.
This administration only sustained the vision because of excess pressure, but it's still commendable.But let's be honest, nothing for dey there if not for Gej's bold move.
— Obi Of Onitsha🇨🇦 (@cliqik) May 18, 2020
Because PDP is a weak opposition doesn't mean Bashir and his egbekegbe gang will bring lies in jpg to twist facts.
Second Niger bridge didn't start from Buhari, and from the JPG seen, the bridge won't be completed by Buhari in 2 years ½, he has left. pic.twitter.com/EXmIZMywhv
— PROF. {DANGOTE SIDE CHICK}™ (@honilatte) May 18, 2020
You're right Mr Bashir, President has done alot for us, using his salaries to build second Niger Bridge is Gift second to none, we can't wait for the completion. https://t.co/Fj2wr59mqB
— Sultan of Abuja (@Atren_) May 18, 2020
That is the mentality that the entire Aso Rock runs on. Imagine Bashir referring to the second Niger bridge as a "gift".
These men including the President, think they should be worshipped because they're all doing us a favour. https://t.co/bUAAvYr997
— Uncle Demola (@OmoGbajaBiamila) May 18, 2020
Bashir twreted that the second Niger Bridge is a "gift". Lol. With Nigeria's commonwealth?
Okay. Let him "gift" his hometown security. What of Electoral reforms? Mba! When a government have nothing to show, it will start looking for crumbs to repaint
— Merife Obinna (@touchedByElda) May 18, 2020
It's only in Nigeria where leaders see performing their constitutional functions as a gift that they should be thanked for.
Disgrace!#SecondNigerBridge https://t.co/FrmOngB3Rg— Somto J. Uwazie (@SomtoUwazie) May 18, 2020
Bashir referring to Second Niger bridge as a gift to Nigerians is a perfect example on how Nigeria leaders see their responsibilities.
To them,it’s a gift to the people because we are at receiving end.— Adedayor (@gokeeadRR) May 18, 2020
Take it or leave it.
Second Niger Bridge is a commendable work from Buhari's administration and needs to be acknowledged.
At least its not a mirage to Us anymore!.
👌👌 pic.twitter.com/HnTxOYcOrA— MAVERICK (@PaschalMaverick) May 18, 2020
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THANKS FOR HIS CONTUNITY MENTALITY NOT ONLY SECOND NIGER BRIDGE BUT OTHERS BUT THAT WAS NOT A GIFT ,IT IS A RIGHT DENIED BY PREVIOUS GOVT TO THE NIGERIAN PEOPLES