Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said many Nigerian leaders are widely respected on the global stage but face constant criticism, ridicule, and hostility from citizens at home, a situation she attributed to hate-driven narratives and political manipulation.
Mrs Tinubu made the remarks in a Facebook post on Friday, shortly after United States President Donald Trump publicly described her as a “very respected woman” at the National Prayer Breakfast held in Washington, DC.
The annual event, attended by members of the US Congress, religious leaders, and international dignitaries, featured Trump acknowledging the Nigerian First Lady while speaking on faith, leadership, and religious freedom.
During his address, Trump highlighted her dual role as Nigeria’s First Lady and a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
“We are honoured to be joined by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also serves as a Christian pastor in the largest church in Nigeria,” Trump said. “A very respected woman. It is a great honour to have you here.”
Reacting to the recognition, Mrs Tinubu expressed concern over what she described as a troubling contrast between how Nigerian leaders are treated internationally and how they are perceived locally.
“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,” she said.
She criticised what she described as a culture of public ridicule and online abuse, noting that leaders are frequently demeaned, cursed, and mocked over perceived shortcomings.
“They are bullied, spoken ill of, and dragged across social media, where even their mistakes are seized upon and amplified,” she added.
The First Lady warned that such attitudes undermine national unity and weaken collective progress, urging Nigerians to embrace mutual respect and constructive engagement.
“Nigeria is built on love, unity, and collective effort toward shared success,” she said. “We must come together to support our leaders and work hand in hand with them to make our country great.”
Her comments come amid renewed international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly following claims by Trump and some US lawmakers that Christians in Nigeria face widespread persecution.
In late 2025, the United States designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged attacks on Christians, a decision strongly rejected by the Nigerian government.
The Federal Government described the designation as inaccurate and divisive, maintaining that insecurity in Nigeria is driven by terrorism and criminality affecting citizens across religious and ethnic lines.
