President William Ruto has spoken out against Nigeria’s poor economy and the way people speak English. This is in response to comments made by President Bola Tinubu claiming Nigerians are better off than people in other African countries.
Daily Trust reported that the exchange happened when Tinubu visited Bayelsa State, where he opened important infrastructure projects and defended his government’s economic policies even though petrol prices were going up.
“We need to be honest with our people,” Yes, I hear you from many parts of the economy. The price of gas is really high, but let’s all praise God that you’re better off. Listen to what they are going through in Kenya and other African countries. We won’t look back. Tinubu had added, “We will keep looking for ways to ease the pain of the weak.”
In a now-famous video answer, Ruto dismissed the connection by pointing out Nigeria’s problems with infrastructure, especially its ongoing power supply problems, and making fun of how it uses English.
“Our education is good.” We speak English well. We are the finest at speaking English. You’ll need a translation if you want to understand a Nigerian speaking English. Ruto added, “We have the best human capital anywhere in the world,” using humor to defend his country’s position.
The comments come at a time when Africa’s economy is under a lot of strain, including increased fuel prices due to problems with global supply chains, which are partly caused by tensions in the Middle East and worries over the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil shipping route.
Many people on social media have reacted to the debate, with many users criticizing both the similarity and the tone of the comments.
A user on X (previously Twitter) named Bureau-39 said, “Let’s not get the whole country involved in this mess between two corrupt, incompetent politicians.” Both countries speak fine English, but Kenya’s is more British and clear, while Nigeria’s is more colorful and has its own accent that sounds like pidgin.
Frank Bryant, another commenter, asked what the point of the argument was. He said, “Why should Africans be competing over who speaks the colonial masters language very well?”
Xave said, “And you think they would listen to you? The only thing Africans are good at is fighting each other.”
Obiridike said, “They will do that because Ghanaians and South Africans say all Nigerians are drug dealers and thieves.”
Michael James said the same thing: “They will do that Ghanaians and South Africans say all Nigerians are thieves and drug peddlers.”
Nigeria is still one of Africa’s biggest oil producers, but it still has to deal with inflation, financial instability, and unreliable electricity.
Kenya, on the other hand, has made itself a regional center for finance and technology. However, it also has economic problems, such as mounting debt and the cost of living.
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