Nigerian social critic Isaac Fayose has weighed in on the recent public fallout between tech billionaire Elon Musk and former U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting the lack of freedom of speech in Africa by comparison.
In a statement shared on social media, Fayose noted that no businessman in Africa would dare challenge political power the way Musk has done in the U.S., due to fear of political backlash and the absence of institutional protection.
His remarks follow a fiery online exchange between Musk and Trump on Thursday, June 5. The Tesla CEO had accused Trump of being ungrateful and claimed he played a key role in Trump’s 2016 election victory. Trump, in return, labeled Musk “crazy” and threatened to revoke his government contracts.
Reflecting on the episode, Fayose said:
“Let Dangote try what Elon Musk did and say he made Tinubu president. His businesses would be shut down in no time.”
He further revealed that even he has been warned against speaking critically of certain Nigerian politicians, including former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, due to potential consequences.
Fayose lamented the lack of political tolerance across African nations and questioned when the continent would reach a point where citizens and business leaders could freely express dissenting views without intimidation or threats.
“When will Africa get to a point where people can criticize government without fear?” he asked.
Fayose’s comments have sparked conversations online, with many Nigerians echoing his concerns about the state of democracy and freedom of speech on the continent.
