A Nigerian PhD student based in China, identified as KY Tebo, has sparked widespread debate online after criticising the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu over issues of insecurity and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
In a video message that has since gone viral on social media, Tebo accused the government of failing to adequately protect citizens while allegedly using security agencies to suppress dissenting voices.
“I am not the type of person that uses social media for trends. I am not a celebrity and I do not want to be one. I am only expressing my views on social, political, and religious issues in Nigeria,” he said in the video.
Tebo emphasised that Nigerians have constitutional rights to express their opinions both online and offline, warning that security agencies should not be used to silence individuals over their views.
The student also criticised the government over what he described as rising insecurity across parts of the country, particularly in northern Nigeria, where banditry and insurgent activities have continued to threaten communities.
He questioned why individuals who openly criticise religion online appear to face little consequence, while, according to him, some citizens in the northern region have been arrested for expressing their views.
Tebo further urged security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), to intensify efforts against armed groups responsible for attacks and kidnappings across the country.
“The DSS should focus on arresting bandits who openly post their activities online,” he said, questioning the government’s priorities in addressing security threats.
The video has generated mixed reactions across social media platforms, with some users supporting Tebo’s views on insecurity and free speech, while others criticised his comments.
The development has added to ongoing public discourse on the balance between national security, freedom of expression, and the role of security agencies in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
