When correcting grammatical errors on social media turns into a full-blown battle, that’s when quick wits and sharp words collide. Such is the case between Ms. El-Rufai, affectionately known as the English teacher on X for her penchant for correcting grammatical errors on the platform, and activist Sani.
The spark was ignited when Sani posted an observation on President Bola Tinubu’s foreign travels and inflation in Nigeria. Implicit in his message was the idea that the president’s foreign travels impact taxes and the prices of consumer goods. That’s when Ms. El-Rufai took matters into her own hands, spotting a grammatical error in Sani’s post and confidently correcting it. She stressed that it should have been “go up” instead of “goes up”, thus showing her vigilance with language and unwavering precision.
This simple act triggered a series of reactions and counter-reactions. Comments flew from all quarters, with netizens expressing divergent views. Sani, irritated by Mrs El-Rufai’s intervention, urged her to leave him alone, recalling that they had unfollowed each other on the platform and wondering why she was still following his activities so closely.
This dispute between Sani and Mrs El-Rufai’s husband, the former governor of Kaduna, dates back to when they were members of the same political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Their irreconcilable falling out eventually led to the defection of the lawmaker from the party.
This social media saga highlights not only the sensitivity of Internet users to grammatical errors, but also the complex and sometimes tumultuous relationships that can exist between public figures, even within the same political party. It highlights the sharpness of words and the speed of reaction on social networks, where each intervention can set off a chain reaction.
Ultimately, this story underscores the importance of effective communication and mutual respect in an increasingly connected digital world. It reminds us that behind every online profile is a person, with their opinions, feelings and sensibilities. And that sometimes a simple grammatical correction can spark a lively discussion and reveal underlying tensions.