Punch Changes Buhari’s Title To ‘Major General’, Nigerians React

A cross-section of Nigerians have reacted to an editorial by Punch Newspaper changing Muhammadu Buhari’s title from President to, “Major General.”

In an editorial titled, “Buhari’s lawlessness: Our Stand,” Punch had stated that it will “henceforth prefix Buhari’s name with his rank as a military dictator in the 80s ‘Major General’ and refer to his administration as a regime until they purge themselves of their insufferable contempt for the rule of law.”

The newspaper made the decision while making reference to DSS non-compliance to court orders on trial of Omoyele Sowore, Publisher of SaharaReporters; invasion of courtroom and trial of Shiites’ leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky amongst others.

Punch said its decision was a protest against autocracy and military-style repression under Buhari administration.

However, Nigerians, who took to their Twitter handles expressed varied opinions.

The reactions gathered by DAILY POST read below:

@ogundamisi: @MobilePunch drops ‘President’ from the title of @NGRPresident @MBuhari the Nigerian newspaper says it’s doing so to protest DSS handling of @YeleSowore’s case and government disobedience of court order. @MobilePunch to henceforth refer to Nigerian President as ‘Major General.”

@Adebo_ogund: “Today’s @MobilePunch editorial, its resolution to henceforth prefix @MBuhari with Major General & refer to his administration as regime in protest against autocracy is another huge feat renewing our hope in the media as a strong voice ready to hold govt. accountable & responsible.”

@TomUdenwa: “Call him whatever you want, but no Nigerian leader in our most recent democracy has exemplified true respect for democracy and its institutions like President (Major General) Buhari has.”

@Nedunaija: “Dear @MobilePunch, you’ve led the way. We’ll follow.

“Moving forward, I will, in line with your well-considered patriotic defiance to tyranny, also prefix Buhari with either Major-General/General. I will also refer to his ‘administration’ as regime. Nigeria will defeat tyranny.”

@Foskolo: “Dear @MobilePunch., thank you for this brilliant move. I have joined you too. Dear Major General @MBuhari, when will your regime end the recklessness?”

@olushola_shola: “It’s time for everyone to start getting ready. The direction Major General Buhari (Rtd) is leading us is very obvious….

Eyin Omoodua rere, Eku ipalemo Ileya oooo, eyi ti ase lokoeru Nigeria toge!!”

@iameneji: “Dear @MobilePunch

” You can use Major General, General or Field Marshal for @MBuhari

because of @YeleSowore as stated in your today’s editorial.

“In fact, you can use the picture below in your reportage going forward. All lawbreakers will face the consequences of their actions.”

@Dappab: “Lol I remember that year when they said GEJ is a weak man he cannot control his wife, has Major General Buhari been able to control Aisha Buhari?everyday she has fight with mamman daura and no one is talking about Buhari not being able to control his wife, lol GEj suffered sha.”

@InibeheEffiong:”@MobilePunch has set the pace for others to follow. There is no fence for anyone to sit on. You’re either in support of tyranny or against it. Major-General Buhari and his dictatorial regime will not conquer the Nigerian people. Resistance is the only cure for tyranny.”