A giant broom made of iron rods mounted at the Abuja City Gate by the ruling All Progress Congress (APC) has attracted criticisms from many Nigerians.
Raffia broom is the symbol of the APC but many could not understand why it is being erected right at the entrance of the Federal Capital Territory.
The reactions across various social media handles were almost unanimous in condemnation of the act which many described as an abuse of power. But many of the reactions were laced with humour and subtle jibes at the ruling party.
“Buhari initiated and completed a giant broom project at Abuja city gate. At least the PDP can’t claim this one,” tweeted one Arc Bakari, with the Twitter username @AbbakarSnr.
Another user, Usman Okai Austin, said, “President Mohammed Buhari greatest achievement for the past 3years is erecting a giant broom in Abuja The APC has littered every part of Abuja with Buhari posters and billboards, the pressure is so high.”
Others tried to compare the broom symbol to other countries of the world who have various symbols for which they are renowned.
“Someone must have figured if Paris could have the Eiffel Tower and New York the Statue of Liberty, Abuja needs an iron rod broom—the political symbol of the ruling party,” wrote Jemila – @JKFagge.
Many others wondered how much it cost to erect such broom made of iron rods and which adds zero value to the aesthetics of the Abuja city or to President Muhammadu Buhari’s political worth.
Similarly, Olubo – @MOAdanu, tweeted, “World tallest building? Dubai World largest seaport? China World biggest airport? America World tallest, largest and biggest broom Abuja Nigeria.”
Yet, others tried to guess how much it must have taken to erect such an “edifice” at the city gate.
“This APC giant broom project in Abuja, will cost nothing less than 70 – 110 million naira. But let’s all pretend like we don’t know,” wrote someone with the username ‘naiightmares‘.
Another user was even more categorical; “APC mounts ₦230m broom made of Iron rods at Abuja city gate, yet they give you ₦10k trader money for your votes,” @C_N_John wrote.
The APC is yet to comment on the broom statue, but some tweets suggest the party has denied knowledge of who is behind the project or how much it costs.
For some, however, the big broom is a sign of better things to come with Buhari’s second term, if he makes it. As one Atofarati Sikiru tweeted, “I love this erection of the big broom in Abuja, this will inform the whole world that Nigerian is ready to sweep away corruption on our land.”