The N50m donations to victims of the Katsina Central Market fire the All Progressive National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, raises uncertainty on social media as many Nigerians slammed the ex-Lagos State Governor, but his supporters took to his defence.
Former social media aide to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan had criticised Tinubu for donating such a big amount to victims of Katsina fire market while ignoring the affected traders at Shasha market in Ibadan, Oyo State; and other market burnt by fire recently in Lagos and the South-West.
It was earlier reported that 700 shops and stalls were burnt by fire on Monday morning during a fire incident that ravaged the Katsina Central Market.
Goods amounting to billions of naira were burnt and stolen during the loot after the market was razed with fire.
On Wednesday, the APC chieftain visited the state and was received by Governor Aminu Masari, where he promised to assist the traders with N50m.
The APC national leader has, however, has come under fire on social media under the speculation that the donation was because of his 2023 presidential ambition, as some presume, adding that he went to Katsina because it’s the home town of President Muhammadu Buhari.
A tweeter user, @i_racle tweeted, “When market places were burning back to back in Lagos, there was no federal delegation and Tinubu’s donation.”
“Interesting! I thought they say charity begins at home!” said @Samuelohalete1.
@EAshayi stated, “Good move. However, it is said that charity begins at home. One tends to think that he is seeking approval of the North in view of his political ambition.”
In defence of the APC national leader, some of his supporters reacted to the allegation, saying he was promoting national unity.
@officeroflagos said, “Away goal is important in UEFA champion league, so away spending is important in politics in Nigeria!”
Also, on Facebook, one Oloyede Ismaila wrote, “The time (Nyesom) Wike donated N500m Rivers State funds to Sokoto fire victims, you hypocrites didn’t say anything, but now that Tinubu donated to Katsina fire victims, you started making a noise.”
“Anybody can spend his or her money as he likes,” Adeyeye Abiodun tendered.
Another social media user says Tinubu should strike a balance in his generous gestures.
“He knows how he made his money, and he has absolute right on how the money should be spent. However, he should learn to please God rather than pleasing men,” Sunday wrote.