Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to stop attacking their leaders at home while celebrating them abroad.
She spoke while reacting to the accolades received by United States President Donald Trump during the 74th Annual National Prayer Breakfast held on Capitol Hill.
In a Facebook post shared on Friday night, Mrs Tinubu expressed concern that Nigerian leaders are often respected internationally but face bullying, ridicule, and hostility within the country.
She blamed the trend on hatred, political interests, and narratives spread through social media, which she said have shaped public perception against those in authority.
“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 condemned what she described as a growing culture of public shaming, especially online, where leaders are subjected to insults, mockery, and harsh judgement.
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“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 noting that leaders must remain accountable, she said constant negativity does not strengthen national unity or support development.
Mrs Tinubu called on Nigerians to embrace dialogue, understanding, and shared responsibility in building the nation.
She added that Nigeria’s progress depends on cooperation between citizens and their leaders, stressing that the country was founded on love and unity.
“Let us come together to support our respected leaders and work hand in hand with them to make our country great.”