Time Magazine’s journalist under fire for listing Tinubu in 100 most influential people
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Astha Rajvanshi, Time Magazine journalist
A Time Magazine journalist, Astha Rajvanshi has locked her official Twitter handle, an action which was believed to be connected with criticisms she has received following the inclusion of Nigeria’s president-elect, Bola Tinubu, on the latest Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world.
Rajvanshi came under serious attacks on social media for the article she wrote for Tinubu, which painted his role as a “longtime political power broker” and his efforts in helping to restore Nigeria’s democracy in 1999.
The former Lagos governor (Tinubu) has been in the eye of the storm after he was controversially declared the president-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Many Nigerian Twitter users have berated the journalist for decorating Tinubu’s questionable political career, which includes allegations of corruption and drug case in the United States, among others.
In response to the criticism, the writer, Astha Rajvanshi locked her Twitter account and has not reacted publicly on the matter.
Though, despite the criticism, Tinubu’s legion of supporters have commended his inclusion on the list as a validation of his leadership and political influence, both in Nigeria and on the global stage.
Some of the reactions are below:
One of the critics One Nigeria! 🇳🇬🇨🇦 @Gen_tuu69 on Twitter wrote, “Above is Astha Rajvanshi @astharajvanshi repost on LinkedIn, thanks to @ChiomaChuka for the thoughts shared to clear up the TIME 100 Tinubu’s feature. I think Agbados didn’t bother to read the Article and Obidients wonjured her too fast. Na Journey we dey go, and we go finish am.”
In reaction, Emeka Azuka Okoye @EmekaOkoye said, “Dear #ObiDients, Attacking Astha Rajvanshi was uncalled for and unnecessary. She didn’t do it because she doesn’t like Nigeria. The bigots lobbyists sold the idea to Time Magazine. We should have just educated her with all that has been going on. This was just not right IMHO (in my honest opinion).
Meanwhile, another Twitter user, Tosin Hexemty @Hexemty1 cautioned, “Okay now; I think the “Obidients” needs to be cautioned and sensitized appropriately. Bcos why do u have to go hard on anyone that has a contrary opinion to yours. Don’t people especially of the press reserve/have the right to carry out their assignment again?!”
