On Friday 29th May, Nigeria’s new president Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in. And in his address, he noted the important roles of social media. This forms the basis of the concerns being expressed by citizens over his decision to appoint Femi Adesina, who many believe is not vibrant on social media, as his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.
As at 10am local time on Monday 1st June, Adesina had less than 100 followers on social media – he had only 8 followers before he was announced as the president’s spokesman.
His official Twitter handle is @Monkeybiz9 which also sounds unprofessional.
Furthermore, more than 24 hours after the official announcement of his new position, he is yet to update his Twitter profile to show his new position. Investigation by Innovation Village revealed he is still bearing the title of the Current President, Nigerian Guild of Editors while he is still saying his current city is Lagos even though his new assignment is expected to be based in Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Also, his last tweet was posted about 5 days ago.
This is in sharp contrast to the president’s efficient social media strategy that was linked to his victory at the polls.
Find below more criticisms of the appointment.
My big criticism of the Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu appointments is not that there’s two of them, but that neither is a PR professional.
— Chxta of Greece (@Chxta) June 1, 2015
And @Monkeybiz9 Femi Adesina has just 8 followers. This business is boring.. What is he again? will he be handling PMB’s social media accts?
— yelosisi (@Karoloflyf) June 1, 2015
How long does it take to establish a twitter account? Asking for Femi Adesina.
— Charles the 1st (@9jaBloke) June 1, 2015
If we intend to cut d cost of governance, i don’t see d rationale behind d appointments of Femi Adesina and Shehu Garba for d same job
— izuka nwanze (@nwanzuka) June 1, 2015
In their new jobs, Femi Adesina & Garba Shehu shld avoid cameras & camera phones so dey dnt bcom fotogrhers lik Abati @scarfizal @Ayourb
— Lanre Shadiya (@Lanreshadiya) June 1, 2015
