Remi Tinubu: Nigerian Leaders Honoured Overseas, ridiculed At Home

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has expressed concern over the widening contrast between the respect Nigerian leaders receive internationally and the hostility they face from citizens at home.

She said while many Nigerian leaders are recognised and honoured abroad for their roles and contributions, they are often subjected to criticism, abuse and ridicule within the country.

She said the situation is largely due to hate driven narratives and political manipulation.

Mrs Tinubu made the remarks in a statement shared on her official Facebook page.

The response followed her recent appearance at the United States National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC.

At the high profile annual event, President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged the Nigerian First Lady and recognised her as a highly respected leader of one of the largest churches in Nigeria.

Daily Trust reports that the National Prayer Breakfast is an annual interfaith gathering in the United States that brings together political leaders, lawmakers, religious figures and invited international guests to reflect on faith, leadership and global cooperation.

The event has, over the years, served as a platform for diplomatic engagement and symbolic recognition of foreign dignitaries in attendance.

Nigeria has maintained long standing diplomatic and political relations with the United States, with Nigerian leaders frequently participating in global forums where issues of governance, security, faith and development are discussed.

Such appearances often attract international attention and, in some cases, public commendation from global leaders.

In recent years, however, public discourse within Nigeria has been increasingly shaped by intense political competition and social media driven commentary.

Leaders across different levels of government have faced sustained scrutiny, criticism and online attacks from citizens and political opponents alike.

Reacting to the public recognition, Mrs Tinubu said the episode once again highlighted how Nigerian leaders are often valued more outside the country than within it.

“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 said.

She further criticised the “culture of bullying and public ridicule” directed at Nigerian leaders, particularly on social media platforms.

“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,” the First Lady added.

Mrs Tinubu stressed that national development depends on unity and collective effort, urging Nigerians to support their leaders rather than undermine them.

“Nigeria is built on love, unity, and collective effort toward shared success. Let us come together to support our respected leaders and work hand in hand with them to make our country great,” she said.

According to her, the culture of public ridicule and online attacks directed at Nigerian leaders weaken national cohesion.

She stressed that such attitudes do not advance the country’s progress and instead deepen division and mistrust.

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