Trending 
First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has said Nigerian leaders often command significant respect internationally but face hostility and harsh criticism from citizens at home, attributing this to entrenched negative narratives and political manipulation.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Tinubu reflected on the contrast days after US President Donald Trump described her as “a very respected woman” at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC.
At the annual gathering of US lawmakers, religious figures and international guests, Trump acknowledged the Nigerian First Lady’s presence and commended her dual role as Nigeria’s First Lady and an ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
He told attendees it was an honour to host her, describing her as widely respected.
Responding to the remarks, Tinubu said many Nigerian leaders receive honour overseas but are not similarly appreciated at home.
She argued that persistent narratives promoted by political actors have shaped public perception and fostered resentment.
“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.”
The First Lady also decried what she characterised as a culture of online ridicule and verbal attacks directed at public officials.
According to her, leaders are frequently insulted, demeaned and publicly mocked, with their mistakes amplified on social media.
“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.”
She urged Nigerians to prioritise unity and collective progress, stressing that national development requires mutual respect and cooperation.
Nigeria, she said, is built on love, unity and shared effort, and citizens should work together with leaders to move the country forward.
