Electric fence around Tinubu, Bago billboard sparks reactions
Nigerians on social media platform X have reacted with a mix of opinions following the circulation of a video depicting an electric fence around a large billboard featuring images of President Bola Tinubu and Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago.
The installation has ignited discussions on the necessity of protecting political billboards from vandalism. Some users have raised concerns about the government’s popularity, while others have attributed the issues to opposition supporters allegedly targeting campaign materials.
One user, identified as Dare-tomo, questioned the logic behind erecting a billboard if it requires protection from the constituents it is intended to reach. “But has this not defeated the purpose for which the billboard should be up there? If you have to protect it from the people you’re showing the billboard to?” he wrote.
Conversely, Tosyn defended the electric fence, attributing its necessity to acts of vandalism he claims have been carried out by the opposition. “That’s how bad the opposition has become. They have no better alternative than to resort to vandalising campaign posters,” he said.
Emmanuel expressed a different viewpoint, suggesting that a government confident in its performance should not need such measures to safeguard its public image. “If you are doing well, you shouldn’t be scared that people would remove your billboard. You had four years to work, make people love you; instead, you’re now forcing yourself on them,” he remarked. He emphasized that effective governance should be the most compelling form of political advertisement.
User Felix also questioned the prioritization of protecting political displays, noting that similar attention is often lacking in the provision of social amenities. “But social amenities are not perfected like this cause they want it destroyed & get allocation for it,” he wrote.
Abiola Oshodi interpreted the electric fence as indicative of waning public support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “If you need an electric fence to protect a billboard of the President and a Governor, it tells you everything you need to know about their legitimacy,” he commented, criticizing the administration’s policies and asserting that such measures would not alter public perception.
Omowumi Abiodun echoed concerns about the potential ramifications of the unusual security measure, suggesting it might provoke further negative reactions rather than enhance the government’s image. “Psychologically, this act will further create awareness of how terrible this government is, thereby creating more hatred for them,” she stated. She added that if the billboard were to be vandalized, it could evoke sympathy, implying that the protective measure may lead to unintended political consequences.
As of now, the reasons behind the installation of the electric fence remain unclear, with no official statement from the ruling party regarding the matter.
