Nigerians React As ‘President’ Climbs Rooftop To Console Flood Victims (Video)

A viral video showing a man identified by the poster as President of Gabon, personally navigating floodwaters to connect with displaced residents has captured the attention of Nigerian news and social media hailing a rare hands-on approach by a leader to crisis.

The footage, posted on X, opens with the politician stepping out of a black SUV into a flooded, muddy environment. Dressed in a black jacket, white shirt, and blue cap, he is surrounded by security operatives and aides as he carefully makes his way through the submerged area. The scene paints a grim picture—pools of water cover the ground, the sky is overcast, and the urgency is palpable.

As the video progresses, it reveals the full extent of the devastation: flooded roads, swamped vegetation, and residents stranded on rooftops. In a powerful moment, the President climbs onto one of the rooftops to engage directly with those seeking refuge. His body language—listening intently, gesturing empathetically, and offering comfort—has been widely lauded online by Nigerians.

He is later seen wading knee-deep through the flood, his trousers rolled up, as he inspects the damage alongside local officials and security personnel. His willingness to brave the difficult terrain in order to speak face-to-face with affected citizens has set him apart from the usual image of distant political figures.

Toward the end of the clip, the President addresses a larger group of people gathered around him, some with microphones and cameras. Though much of his speech is inaudible, the visuals of his interaction and concern have struck a chord with many viewers. As the video closes, he is seen walking away from the crowd, his back turned as locals watch—an image that symbolizes his direct, unfiltered connection with the people.

Watch the video below;

However, controversy erupted in the comment section as some netizens claimed that the man in the video is a governor in DR Congo, not the president of Gabon as the poster alleged.

Still, many Nigerians in the comment section admired his actions regardless of his identity and expressed the wish that their own president would do the same.

Read some netizens’ reactions below;

@mc2purtion: If there is flood in Nigeria, our presido will travel to France 🇫🇷 to inspect the flood that happens in Nigeria Frm France. And u want to tell me that Tinubu is not performing…. Hahaha i laff in tongues

@tanimola: I just dey get more reason to have regrets of being a Nigerian bcoz of the leaders we’ve had in the past till diz worse current administration,if we talk about Burkina faso or this Gabon president now relating to wah we’ve dah no president of ours had done…..kai

@jbruce64: THAT IS NOT THE PRESIDENT OF GABON!

@emancipationnam: A flooded community in Gabon was graced by the presence of their newly elected President, He was on the ground to personally assess the situation—even as far as walking in knee length water putting his security on the line for his people. Africa is getting a new fiber of leadership that is inspiring.

@rosenambozo: Seeing Gabon’s President directly engaging with flood victims shows true leadership. In crisis, leaders must be present, not distant. His hands-on approach demonstrates accountability, builds trust, and ensures efficient resource allocation. When officials stand with their people in hardship, governance transcends politics and becomes genuine service. #LeadershipInAction #CrisisResponse

@cameraman: This is a governor in the DR Congo, the author of this post is misleading people @CommunityNotes

@9janarative: This is actually a governor in DRC.

tribekenyan: That is Christian Kitungwa Muteba, Governor of Tanganyika Province in DRC and not President of Gabon.
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