Trump’s recognition: Nigerian leaders are respected abroad, bullied at home -Oluremi Tinubu
Senator Oluremi Tinubu
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said Nigerian leaders are often respected and honoured abroad but face bullying and hostility at home, as she urged citizens to show greater support for those in authority.
Mrs Tinubu made the remarks while reacting to recent accolades received by United States President Donald Trump at the 74th Annual National Prayer Breakfast held on Capitol Hill.
In a post shared on her official Facebook page on Friday night, the First Lady expressed concern over what she described as a growing gap between how Nigerian leaders are perceived internationally and how they are treated within the country.
She said many leaders enjoy recognition outside Nigeria but are frequently ridiculed, criticised, and attacked at home, a situation she attributed to political interests and narratives amplified through social media.
“Most of our leaders are highly respected and honoured abroad, yet many Nigerians fail to value what they have because of hatred and the narratives planted in their minds by political paymasters, which have also hardened their hearts,” she wrote.
The First Lady also decried what she described as a culture of public shaming, especially online, where leaders are subjected to insults, mockery, and harsh judgement.
“They bully these leaders, speak ill of them, demean them, curse them, and even seize upon their mistakes to drag them across social media, ridiculing and mocking them publicly.”
While acknowledging that leaders must be accountable, she stressed that hostility and negativity do not promote national unity or development.
She called on Nigerians to adopt a more constructive approach through dialogue, understanding, and collective responsibility.
The former lawmaker added that Nigeria’s progress depends on cooperation between citizens and their leaders, noting that the country was built on love, unity, and shared commitment.
“Let us come together to support our respected leaders and work hand in hand with them to make our country great.”
