Nigerians on social media have taken a presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, to the cleaners over his jibe at a human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN).

Shehu in a statement released late on Monday had described Falana as a “formerly unsuccessful opposition candidate for governor of Ekiti state”.

He was reacting to Falana’s repeated comment about the alleged third term agenda of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

Shehu denied the report and alleged that Falana is seeking personal media attention in claiming the president is planning a third term in office.

His statement has, however, sparked criticisms on Twitter as Nigerians have taken to the microblogging site to lambaste him for describing the human rights lawyer as “unsuccessful”.

Some Twitter users described his use of words as derogatory and not fit for a presidential spokesperson.

A legal practitioner, Abdulmahmud quoted Shehu’s tweet and wrote:

Garbo! Your boss was also an unsuccessful opposition candidate in 2003, 2007 & 2011. He successfully defended your boss and his party in court when they were tear-gased in Kano in 2003. Tweet on!! https://t.co/x9YVHPoH4z

— Great Oracle (@AbdulMahmud01) December 23, 2019

@TopeAyorinde tweeted:

Your use of words is very shallow. The jokes are on your boss and not on Femi Falana. One hit track from Falz is bound to demolish your govt. You risk being ruthlessly dragged through the mud by the Nigerian youths. Better take your time! https://t.co/CgMTQUWxb6

— Tope Akinyode (@TopeAkinyode) December 23, 2019

 

See other reactions:

???
When they call on horned creatures, the snail wants to be recognized. The only person close to the greatness of Femi FALANA in the history of Northern Nigeria was Aminu Kano, your entire existence doesn’t measure up to his existence. Garba, you are just an errand boy! https://t.co/r9m0azCVHV

— Ayekooto (@thebardogbamola) December 23, 2019

You can never be as successful as Femi Falana! You are not even fit to lace his shoes. Your time too shall pass…

Asiko ni gbogbo nkan https://t.co/G7VZhyBADb

— Alaka Olaamide (@Prolificshola) December 23, 2019

Is this man under the influence of some cheap weed or something? You labelled a whole Femi Falana (one of the fighters of democracy) as Unsuccessful ??? You people sometimes behave like professional psychiatric patients tbh ?.

Btw, have you settled with the first lady? https://t.co/pM8incfQl0

— timi (@kvng__timmy) December 24, 2019

I can’t disrespect Femi Falana and won’t tolerate people disrespecting him.

We can disagree about his handling of issues,but certainly not insult or disrespect him for it.

Falana SAN,has come a long way and pay his dues. Stop!!!

— Major General PositiveMantra ? ? (@skaalbgroup) December 23, 2019

Formerly unsuccessful opposition candidate? Iyen Femi Falana? Lenu Iwo Garba? Iran e melo ni senior advocate. @MBuhari hold these dogs! https://t.co/GpfyA0FJqG

— ‘Damola- Irinajo (Àpésìn) (@dharmorla) December 23, 2019

This is pedestrian. Mr Femi Falana is beyond you. Go and sort out your issue with Aisha Buhari. https://t.co/KJjHGk0bGU

— Inibehe Effiong (@InibeheEffiong) December 24, 2019

Of all persons to attack, It is Femi Falana that you want to attack. If they send someone the work of a slave, one should be wise enough to get it done like a legitimate child. Ti won ba rani ni ise eru, aafi t’omo je ni. Shey ki a so wipe Garba Shehu gor ni bayi?

— B h a d o o s k y (@BhadmusAkeem) December 24, 2019

Femi Falana’s name written on a sheet of paper will command more Respect than you and your father’s Presence.
Don’t care who you or your father are or do for a living, but Femi Falana’s picture has more value than you both.
Merry Christmas. https://t.co/orueehF69y

— Unekwuojo ?? (@iamMista_jay) December 23, 2019

Garba Shehu just called Femi Falana SAN “Unsuccessful”. Like someone just said @GarShehu and @FemAdesina are substitutes for Nickelodeon/Nat Geo Wild And Clowns in high places.The lying priests Femi Adesina And Garba Shehu where hiding when Falana was fighting for democracy !!

— Ezeúgò || (@kingarizona91) December 23, 2019