Ben Murray-Bruce, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), caused a stir recently on social media when he congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Murray-Bruce, an ally of PDP presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in a lengthy post on his Twitter account, described as:
“A visionary leader, a dedicated public servant, and a relentless advocate for the progress and prosperity of all Nigerians.”
The 67-year-old politician was elected as a senator in March 2015, representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District in Bayelsa state.
He was also very visible during the presidential campaign of Atiku, both in the 2019 and 2023 electioneering periods.
His congratulatory message to Tinubu sparked outrage among his followers, with some saying he was disrespectful to his party and Atiku.
“Mr Bruce claps to whatever protects his business and interest. He stopped making sense since he kept mute on hardship facing the majority of Nigerians!” Nky Ezenwa wrote.
Onyekachi Agwu, a lawyer, wrote:
“God will not fail to punish you, Ben Bruce-Murray, a useless Nigerian with foreign names. People like you are the real problem of Nigeria.”
Emeka Offodile wrote:
“There’s no difference between the agbero hustling in the motor park and Ben Bruce; all are hustling to survive. If we knew the kind of debts these guys have incurred, you would forgive them.”
Daniel Kerry wrote:
“And with this, you just strategically placed yourself in the shop window as the jostling for appointments kicks off.”
An angry Nigerian with the moniker ‘Polonium’ simply wrote:
“With all due respect, sir…shame on you!”
An unbothered Murray-Bruce justified his support for Tinubu in his post, stating that:
“As President Tinubu embarks on this new journey of leadership, we are filled with optimism. We believe in his capacity to chart a path of unity, progress, and prosperity for Nigeria.
“He is not just a leader of Nigeria today, but a pioneer for the Nigeria of tomorrow, carrying the hopes and aspirations of over 200 million Nigerians.
“We celebrate President Tinubu not just as a leader but as a true Nigerian who embodies our people’s spirit and resilience.
“May his presidency be a new dawn of progress and peace for our nation. May God bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
