“Nor Be Me And You Carry Jonathan Coffin For Lagos?” – Lawyer Maxwell Opara Blasts Tinubu Over Silence On Nigeria’s Woes

Human rights lawyer, Maxwell Opara, has taken a fiery swipe at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of hypocrisy and selective activism in the face of Nigeria’s deepening crises.

Speaking late Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in a statement reported by SYMFONI, Opara reminded Tinubu of his once-fierce opposition to former President Goodluck Jonathan, when he (Tinubu) mobilized nationwide protests that painted Jonathan as the symbol of Nigeria’s woes.

In a blunt mix of English and pidgin, Opara declared:

“Nor be me and you carry Jonathan coffin for Lagos? Una nor see am? Is there any name wey we nor call Jonathan? Now you don climb because you chop, you nor dey talk again. You dey observe table manners. Dem say person wey dey chop nor dey claim activist. Now una don enter there, una nor dey talk again.”

Opara’s remarks, laced with biting sarcasm, underscore what many Nigerians see as a pattern of political double standards—where fiery opposition leaders suddenly turn mute once in power.

He recalled how Jonathan was relentlessly attacked by Tinubu and opposition figures, branded with unprintable names, and subjected to street protests, yet today, the same voices are largely silent as ordinary Nigerians groan under economic hardship, inflation, insecurity, and poor governance.

For Opara, the irony is stark:
“The same Tinubu who once led chants of resistance has now become the symbol of the establishment, detached from the struggles of the masses he once claimed to defend.”

Analysts say Opara’s outburst is more than just a reminder of history; it is a moral challenge—that those who once demanded accountability must be ready to uphold it when they hold the reins of power.

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary under severe economic strain, Opara’s words resonate with citizens who believe that the government has failed to live up to its promises of reform, transparency, and people-centered leadership.