Activist Rinu Oduala Berates Tinubu’s Government, Calls It A “Government By Graphic Design” Amid Religious Freedom Row

A wave of online debate erupted after human rights activist and pro-democracy advocate Rinu Oduala criticized the Federal Government’s response to global scrutiny surrounding Nigeria’s religious freedom record. Her remark, made through her verified X handle, targeted the Presidency’s communication strategy, particularly its reliance on visually polished social media graphics to address sensitive national and international issues.

The controversy began when the official X account of the Presidency shared a post reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to upholding freedom of religion. The post quoted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as saying that Nigeria “stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.” It emphasized that the current administration has maintained dialogue with Christian and Muslim leaders to promote peace and stability across regions affected by religiously motivated tensions.

Rinu Oduala, known for her fearless criticism of government policies and her leadership during the #EndSARS protests, responded sharply to the post. She wrote, “A government by graphic design, for graphic design, with graphic design.” Her words quickly went viral across social platforms, sparking both applause and backlash. Many users interpreted her comment as a metaphor for what they see as the Tinubu administration’s preference for appearances and public relations over meaningful governance and reform.

The activist’s remark came amid mounting global attention to Nigeria’s human rights record. Former U.S. President Donald Trump had recently made controversial statements accusing the Nigerian government of targeting Christians, even hinting at potential U.S. intervention. His comments stirred a storm of international reactions, putting pressure on the Nigerian government to defend its stance on religious tolerance and human rights protection.

Responding to the growing criticism, the Presidency reiterated that Nigeria remains a pluralistic democracy with deep constitutional commitments to equality among faiths. Its statement stressed that both Christian and Muslim communities have long coexisted peacefully despite challenges posed by extremist groups and regional conflicts. The government’s post was shared under the tag #RenewedHopeAgenda, a recurring theme used by the Tinubu administration to promote its policies and governance philosophy.

However, many Nigerians, including activists like Oduala, have accused the government of prioritizing cosmetic image management over substantive problem-solving. Critics argue that frequent use of sleek infographics and carefully worded statements on social media does little to address real issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, and the perceived erosion of civil liberties.

Supporters of the government counter that digital communication is a necessary tool for modern governance, especially in engaging the public and combating misinformation. They argue that the Presidency’s use of graphic content reflects a strategic effort to communicate more effectively in an era dominated by visual media and short attention spans.

Despite these defenses, Oduala’s phrase “government by graphic design” has gained traction as a rallying cry among critics who believe Nigeria’s leadership is more concerned with aesthetics than accountability. Her statement encapsulates growing frustration among sections of the population who feel alienated from decision-making and skeptical about the sincerity of official communications.

Political observers suggest that the incident highlights a widening disconnect between the government’s messaging and citizens’ lived experiences. While the Presidency projects an image of stability, inclusivity, and religious tolerance, reports of violence, displacement, and interfaith tension continue to emerge from various parts of the country. The challenge for the Tinubu administration, they say, lies in bridging this gap through tangible policy actions rather than carefully curated social media posts.

Rinu Oduala’s critique also underscores a broader generational divide in Nigerian political discourse. Many young Nigerians, shaped by years of activism and digital engagement, demand transparency, accountability, and genuine reform rather than symbolic communication. Her statement, while satirical, resonates deeply with those who see governance as increasingly performative and disconnected from the realities of citizens struggling with poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.

As debates rage online, the government’s credibility on issues of human rights and religious freedom remains under global scrutiny. International observers continue to call for greater protection of minority groups, freedom of expression, and the rule of law. The Presidency, on the other hand, maintains that its record demonstrates inclusivity and respect for all faiths, pointing to interfaith initiatives and dialogue sessions held since 2023.

The clash between perception and reality has once again placed Nigeria’s communication strategy under the microscope. Whether the administration chooses to respond substantively or through yet another well-designed graphic remains to be seen, but Oduala’s phrase has already etched itself into the country’s growing lexicon of political dissent.

At its core, the episode reflects a broader struggle between governance as performance and governance as practice. For many Nigerians, the hope is that leadership will shift focus from presentation to progress, ensuring that commitments to freedom, equality, and justice are lived realities rather than carefully designed headlines.