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‘Hardship’ comes to mind when I hear Tinubu’s name – Falz
Nigerian rapper, lawyer, and outspoken social critic Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has openly associated the name of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the ongoing hardship in the country.
During a recent interview with Soundcity, the Soft Work crooner was asked what immediately comes to mind when he hears the president’s name. Falz responded bluntly:
“Hardship. No elaboration.”
The rapper’s curt reply underscores his deep dissatisfaction with the current state of the nation under Tinubu’s leadership. Known for his bold activism, Falz has been one of the most consistent voices calling out bad governance and insecurity in Nigeria.
Just last month, Falz criticized President Tinubu over his perceived inaction in the wake of a brutal attack that left over 200 people dead in Benue State.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on June 16, 2025, the rapper slammed the president’s response as ineffective and detached from the reality on the ground.
“You have consistently shown that you are incapable of performing the primary duty of securing the lives and property of your citizens. This routine statement does not cut it,” Falz posted in reaction to Tinubu’s delayed response.
Following public outcry, President Tinubu eventually issued a statement addressing the massacre. In it, he condemned the violence and instructed security agencies to take decisive action.
“Enough is enough. I have been briefed on the senseless bloodletting in Benue State… I have directed the security agencies to act decisively, arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict, and prosecute them,” Tinubu said.
He also called on political and community leaders to tone down inflammatory rhetoric and urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to lead efforts toward reconciliation and peace in the state.
Despite the president’s assurances, many Nigerians, including Falz, remain critical of the administration’s handling of widespread insecurity and economic hardship, which continue to plague the country.
Falz’s latest comments further reflect the growing frustration among citizens who feel disillusioned with leadership and the current state of affairs in Nigeria.