Nigerians have expressed disappointments as president Muhammadu Buhari failed to acknowledge the shooting of protesters at Lekki Toll Gate on Tuesday Night. 

In a recorded nationwide address on Thursday night, Mr. Buhari commiserated with police officers who lost their lives as a result of violence that broke out after soldiers opened fire on protesters on Tuesday night. But ignored the protesters who were attacked by thugs and shot at by soldiers.  

Shortly after Mr. Buhari’a speech, many Nigerians took to their Twitter pages to register their disappointment in the president insensitivity to the plights of protesters who are demanding that a lasting solution be proffered to incessant police brutality. 

Farooq Kperogi, an associate professor of journalism and emerging media at Kennesaw State University, said Nigeria has no president, describing Mr. Buhari as a “breathing mannequin”. 

“People are disappointed by Buhari’s hollow, tone-deaf speech. But what did you expect? Accept it: Nigeria has no president. Even when he was a breathing, sentient human being, Buhari was an unmitigated disaster. He’s an even bigger disaster as an insentient, breathing mannequin”, Kperogi said. 

Aisha Yesufu, who played active role in the #EndSARS protest Abuja, wonders how  Buhari ignored #EndSARS protesters who were killed in his speech. 

“Not a word from Buhari @MBuhari about #EndSars protesters killed. Not a word about citizens killed in Zamfara.You still have doubt that this man cares for no one and everyone is feeling the effect of his incompetence?”, Mrs. Yesufu said. 

“I am disappointed by Prez @MBuhari ‘s recorded speech to the country today.  He failed to acknowledge the #Lekkitollgate killings. I didn’t see a concrete response to the CULTURE of impunity and police brutality, or to governance reforms other than a regurgitation of “programs”, Kingsley Moghalu, a former deputy governor of Central Bank, said. 

Banjo Damilola, a journalist with BBC, said “Buhari did not say anything. A speechless speech! Lifeless, uninspiring and void of empathy. What is this country?” 

A former minister of education, Oby Ezekwesili, said “A tribute night to a person of inestimable legacy helped save me from the ache that vacuous speeches inflict.

“To compatriots aching from the failure of our @NGRPresident to use his speech to condole, assuage, unite and build confidence in his citizens, ndonu.@MBuhari #EndSARS”.

Apostle Johnson Suleiman said: “Never had a more ‘wasted 12mins’ all my life…insensitive and useless speech. Who gave the orders for people to be killed?  What’s the repercussions of such blatant impunity? Nobody was fired for lives wasted? No compensation for victims family? I wish I can”unwatch” it. 

The president highlight key issues his administration has been working on to improve the life of citizens, which included low-interest loans for small business and a new police welfare fund.