Seun Kuti slapping a police officer was covered extensively in Nigerian mainstream media, which led to a lot of discussion both online and offline. Like what the mainstream media did when Portable, also known as Habeeb Olawunmi, attacked a police officer. The Kuti case has continued to elicit conflicting responses from the public in recent days, particularly from netizens on social media, reinvigorating the conversation about police brutality and the abuse of authority by law enforcement officials.
Despite this, our analysis of several tweets suggests that many users view the actions of Seun Kuti and Portable as unacceptable and indicative of a larger problem within Nigerian society. Several users mentioned the concept of “government liability,” which appears to refer to the idea that the government is responsible for the behaviour of its citizens, including musicians and other public figures.
Some users also expressed frustration with the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and their handling of these incidents, suggesting that the police are not held accountable for their actions in the same way that citizens are. Others criticized Seun Kuti and Portable for their supposed lack of respect for the law and authority figures.
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From a political and moral economy perspective, the tweets suggest a sense of frustration with the status quo in Nigeria, particularly with regards to corruption and impunity. The concept of “government liability” highlights a perceived lack of accountability among Nigerian leaders, as well as a belief that ordinary citizens are held to a higher standard than those in positions of power.
Additionally, some users view the actions of Seun Kuti and Portable as symptomatic of a broader culture of impunity and disrespect for the law, particularly among those with wealth and influence. This could be seen as reflecting a larger issue of inequality and a sense that those in power are not held accountable for their actions.
The Key Political and Moral Economy
Power dynamics and abuse of power: Many of the tweets highlight the power relationships that exist between citizens and the police as well as within citizens. While some users contend that Seun Kuti violated his obligations as a public figure by hitting a police officer, others contend that the police have also abused their authority and should be held accountable.
Justice and accountability: The need for justice and accountability in cases of police brutality and assault is a major theme in many of the tweets. While some users contend that Seun Kuti and Portable should both be held responsible for their actions, others criticise the Nigerian police for not holding its officers responsible for comparable transgressions.
Political representation and citizenship: Some tweets touch on issues of political representation and citizenship, with users questioning the legitimacy of the federal government and arguing that citizens have a right to resist oppression and abuse of power.
Substance abuse and mental health: Some tweets make assumptions about the role of drug abuse while highlighting the need for resources and support for mental health in Nigeria.
According to our analyst, Nigerian netizens’ responses to the two incidents reveal a complex web of attitudes and beliefs about Portable and Seun Kuti’s deeds as well as about the country’s political and social contexts, which have been linked to a number of problems over the years.