The Personal Assistant to the President on Digital and New Media, Bashir Ahmad, has come under heavy criticism for openly tweeting in support of Palestine.
Recall that Israel and Palestine are embroiled in a conflict that erupted on May 10.
The conflict has reportedly claimed 219 Palestinian lives and 12 people in Israel.
The latest tension was said to have been sparked after a clash at a mosque in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem’s flashpoint.
Apparently piqued by the killings, Ahmad on Tuesday tweeted a photograph and flag of the Arab nation with a caption of ‘Palestine.’
The photograph captured Manchester United duo, Paul Pogba and Amad Diallo raising a Palestinian flag after the club’s 1-1 draw against Fulham at Old Trafford.
Ahmad’s post generated backlash as many Twitter users clamped down heavily on him for taking side in the conflict.
A web designer, Akan Patrick, berated the presidential aide, saying his solidarity gave him away as a religious bigot.
“Northern Muslims surport for Palestine is a pointer to the reason they supported Pantami and defend Shekau. Anything that seem to be against Christians and Christianity is always supported by them. I, am not surprised seeing this,” he said.
Northern Muslims surport for Palestine is a pointer to the reason they supported Pantami and defend Shekau. Anything that seem to be against Christians and Christianity is always supported by them. I, am not surprised seeing this.
— AKAN PATRICK 💜🥷💷💻 (@AkanPatrick1) May 18, 2021
Another tweep, Grace Dámilólá cautioned him against the danger of getting involved in what could result into a diplomatic row.
“Do you remember your position in the government at all? Remember china Flag of China is still hovering around your office.
“Please don’t add Palestine Flag of Palestinian Territories and Israel Flag of Israel to it. Instead of you to pray for peace, you’re using your position to promote violence,” she stated.
https://twitter.com/dammygrace1/status/1394920803821568002
An economist, Yakubu Yohney Banta also struggled to understand why a government official would take a posture in conflict that could possibly lead to a war.
“You’re working with the government of Nigeria and now you choose to openly display a flag of one of warring party between Israel and Palestine.
“You don’t even seems to know how dangerous it is for government official to delve into a foreign country’s war as this.”
You're working with the government of Nigeria and now you choose to openly display a flag of one of warring party between Israel and Palestine. You don't even seems to know how dangerous it is for government official to delve into a foreign country's war as this
— Yakubu Nengak Jos (@YakubuBanta) May 19, 2021
@Adewale02390107 also expressed disgust at the presidential media aide’s tweet.
“You’re a senior govt official and very close to the President, it’s imperative for you to show restraint on this vexing issue.
“Its strategic for you to pretend about which side you belong.”
@23tons wrote:
“Have you for once condom the killing in Nigeria or military killing of the innocent people in the SE and SW but here supporting that has been throwing rockets to Israel and they all know the pay back. Always blaming game.”
Constance Justice, who claimed to be the Country Director for Movement for Integrity and Transparency in West Africa also expressed shock at the post.
“Is this Bashir Ahmaad a Government official or an aid to Abubakar Shekau and Shiekh Isa Pantami?” he queried.
As the bashing continues, a certain Tahir Mala however came to Ahmad’s rescue when he tweeted that he was also in support of the Palestine.
“Our solidarity with Palestine Flag of Jordan,” he wrote.
A self-acclaimed tech guru, Abdulrasheed Umar, also back Buhari’s aide.
“Everything some of you just feel the need to tag a whole region as bad. That’s sad Isreal isn’t even a Christian dominated region so why the fuss beside last I check those two guys are not northern Muslim. So what’s your point bro?!”
Everything some of you just feel the need to tag a whole region as bad. That's sad Isreal isn't even a Christian dominated region so why the fuss beside last I check those two guys are not northern Muslim. So what's your point bro?!
— Abu Amal ✨ (@abdul_riz) May 19, 2021
