Astha Rajvanshi, a staff writer for TIME Magazine has locked her Twitter account.
This is believed to be related to the backlash she has gotten over the inclusion of Nigeria's president-elect, Bola Tinubu, on the latest Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world.
Rajvanshi received a barrage of criticism on social media for the citation she wrote for Tinubu, which highlighted his role as a "longtime political power broker" and his efforts in helping to restore Nigeria's democracy in 1999.
Many Twitter users accused the writer of whitewashing Tinubu's controversial political career, which includes allegations of corruption and a crackdown on protesters during his time as the governor of Lagos.
No amount of PR from Astha Rajvanshi will change the fact that Tinubu was indicted for dealing Drugs in the US.
— Mindset🗝️ (@Mindset_Post) April 13, 2023
In response to the backlash, the writer locked her Twitter account and has not commented publicly on the matter.
Tinubu's inclusion on the Time 100 list has also been criticized by some Nigerians, who argue that he does not deserve the recognition given the ongoing controversies surrounding his election victory and his perceived role in the country's economic woes.
I sent Astha Rajvanshi a mail to prompt her to do some research as to why she is getting a backlash with respect to her article on Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Pablo Escobar.
— Troll CR7 (@Cr7Troll) April 14, 2023
Isale Eko mercy Johnson Kaduna pic.twitter.com/Wsgdm4BDTE
Poor @astharajvanshi , Nigerians have made her lock all her accounts.
— Theodore(Dr) B.Mls, MPH, D.Epi (@DrTheodo) April 13, 2023
Dear Astha Rajvanshi, I hope you understand why Nigerians are at rage with you and the Time Magazine.
Bola Tinubu was INDICTED for heroine trafficking and money laundering in Chicago Illinois USA which he had pic.twitter.com/FJnnyffW52
Despite the criticism, Tinubu's supporters have hailed his inclusion on the list as a validation of his leadership and political influence, both in Nigeria and on the global stage.
2023 Time Magazine Influential Persons (Leaders)
— Imran U. Wakili (PULLO) đź‘‘ (@IU_Wakilii) April 14, 2023
-Joe Biden 10th
-Asiwaju Bola Tinubu 19th
Talk about capacity 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/8ZGDoKh0b1
Hello @astharajvanshi great job on the @TIME piece on the president elect of Nigeria; Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT).
— Adeda (@tosinadeda) April 13, 2023
Contrary to what a set of deluded Nigerians might think or say, you did a great job.
You captured his fight for democracy in Nigeria, spoke about… pic.twitter.com/pKXULYYuRL
Bola Tinubu is on the @TIME’s 100 Most Influential People. Another letter must be sent to the White House, the last one didn’t work o.
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) April 13, 2023
