Viral video of pupil mimicking Tinubu sparks mixed reactions online
By Mercy Ajekigbe
A viral video of a primary school pupil in Anchau, Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State, mimicking President Bola Tinubu has sparked mixed reactions on social media.
The mimic video has circulated widely across social media platforms, generating mixed reactions, with many Nigerians criticizing the performance as disrespectful, while others defended it as a harmless satire.
The video shows the young pupil dressed in an agbada and fila bearing President Tinubu’s signature infinity symbol, flanked by two other pupils acting as security aides. The pupil was seen mimicking the President’s posture and mannerisms during public addresses. The performance was reportedly staged during the school’s graduation ceremony.
The clip has since gained traction online, with some social media users praising the boy’s performance while others expressed disapproval.
On X, one social media user, @Toniakay, condemned the performance and called on Nigerians not to support it:
He wrote: “This is wrong! Presidents are mocked, caricatured and satirised across the world, and that’s part of free speech. But these are children, and at an official school event. Schools should educate children, not involve them in partisan political theatre. The school crossed the line.”
While many criticized the performance, others argued that the clip reflects public perception of the president and should be seen as a form of political communication rather than disrespect.
@okaychines wrote: “It’s funny that we know the truth and are covering it. Before they deal with the school, the person you believe that they are mocking should show proof that he is better than that. Let him move around more often and talk to the people and the media”
Some social media users also claimed that the school would be shut down over the performance, alleging that it could face federal repercussions for staging the act.
Overall, the clip has sparked widespread discourse among Nigerians over where the line between respect for public office and freedom of speech should be drawn.
