By Maryam Muhammad Kabir (U19MM1065)
Bitcoin Chief, whose real name is Gaius Chibueze, is a well known Nigerian social media personality and cryptocurrency advocate. He claims to be the first known African to have bought Bitcoin in 2011, when it sold for $35. With tens of thousands of followers across X and Facebook, he is recognized for sharing content on trading, tech, and national issues. His online persona is bold, and he often sparks intense conversations through his posts.
On July 13th, 2025, former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari passed away in London. His death was confirmed by multiple media sources and widely shared across news platforms. While many Nigerians took to social media to express condolences and reflect on his legacy, reactions were mixed, with some remembering his contributions and others criticizing his tenure.
One tweet that drew considerable attention came from Bitcoin Chief. At around 12:34 a.m. on July 14th, he posted:
"Buhari was a very terrible president. We must not pretend now. May his soul get what he did to Nigerians.”
The comment quickly went viral, dividing opinions. Some users agreed with his stance, citing personal and national struggles under Buhari’s leadership. Others condemned the statement as harsh and disrespectful, especially given the timing.
Later that morning, around 7:37 a.m., Bitcoin Chief posted again, this time sharing a music poster titled No One Mourns the Wicked with the caption, “Good morning Nigerians, here is the song for the week.”
Many believed this was a further jab at the late president, and the reactions in the comment section intensified, ranging from support to outrage.
However, by the afternoon of the same day, the tone shifted when Bitcoin Chief announced that his own father had passed away. At 3:59 p.m., he posted:
“A few minutes ago, my father passed away in his home in Enugu State.”
A Few Minutes Ago, My Father Passed Away in His Home in Enugu State.
— Bitcoin Chief (AKA OMA JI EGO) (@gaiuschibueze) July 14, 2025
I am comforted by the memories like when I was just 5 years old, and he was already teaching me how to read the Bible and preach from house to house as a Jehovah’s Witness.
At a young age, my dad dreamed of… pic.twitter.com/6vCbskGEWM
The revelation drew mixed responses. While some users sympathized with his loss, others used the opportunity to criticize him, saying he was now experiencing the same disregard he had shown earlier. Some even mocked the timing of the announcement in light of his earlier tweets.
Later that evening, Bitcoin Chief doubled down on his previous statements, reiterating his opinion on Buhari and stating that his father died, “standing by the truth,” even if not everyone accepted it.
The entire episode highlighted how quickly sentiments can shift on social media, from support to backlash. It also reignited public conversations about how public figures are remembered, the ethics of posthumous criticism, and the power and consequences of online expression.
As Nigerians continue to reflect on Buhari’s legacy, the incident serves as a reminder that in the digital age, public commentary can provoke both empathy and scrutiny, especially during moments of national mourning.
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