3. Public mood and local media
Upon assumption of office, President Buhari was met with incessant and devastating attacks by suspected Boko Haram members. It took intense public criticisms for him to issue a single statement condemning the attacks. He was quiet most times.
He showed similar reluctance with the herdsmen crisis across the country.
The killings in Agatu and other southern communities were not condemned by the president for weeks. Most went without a single statement of condolence from his office.
But the president was swift in condemning terrorist attacks in Paris, Brussels, Grand-Bassam and elsewhere.
Similarly, Mr. Buhari hardly speaks to local media. From when he would name his ministers (in U.S.) to how he won’t let the central bank devalue (in Paris) the president has made most of the key pronouncements abroad.
Talking to local media would have helped him better understand and gauge public opinion.
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