Tinubu Accepted Being Called A Criminal, But Wike’s DSS Can’t
Prominent Nigerian activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has yet again fueled political controversy with a now-viral video in which he contrasts the alleged tolerance of President Bola Tinubu with the reported sensitivity of Minister Nyesom Wike and his security detail. In a blunt and characteristically provocative statement, Sowore declared, “Tinubu has never complained I called him a criminal but Wike’s DSS are crying”.
Sowore’s remarks draw on a long history of his highly critical commentary on Nigerian political figures, including both Tinubu and Wike. By framing the situation this way, he argues that Tinubu, as a seasoned politician, possesses a higher tolerance for public insults and critique. His silence, in this context, is framed not as agreement, but as a deliberate political calculation to avoid amplifying his critics’ attacks.
In contrast, Sowore’s pointed jab at Wike is aimed at highlighting the minister’s perceived over-reaction to criticism. The reference to Wike’s DSS “crying” is a direct swipe, likely referencing past instances where security agencies, allegedly acting on Wike’s behalf, have moved to intimidate or silence his detractors. This statement is a thinly veiled accusation that Wike is more easily agitated by public dissent and more likely to use state power to stifle it.
The video serves as a compelling, if inflammatory, analysis of power dynamics within the Nigerian political landscape. Sowore’s words suggest that some political figures, despite their position and influence, remain insecure about their public image, while others have grown accustomed to the relentless pressure of public scrutiny. Ultimately, the statement is not just a personal attack, but a deeper commentary on freedom of speech and the perceived misuse of state power to quell dissent in the country
