First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has raised concerns over what she described as a growing disparity between the honour Nigerian leaders receive internationally and the hostility they encounter at home.
She noted that while many Nigerian leaders are celebrated and respected abroad for their contributions and leadership roles, they are often subjected to harsh criticism, ridicule and abuse by citizens within the country.
According to her, this trend is largely fuelled by hate-driven narratives, political manipulation and misinformation, especially on social media.
Mrs Tinubu made the remarks following her recent participation in the United States National Prayer Breakfast held in Washington, D.C.
At the high-profile interfaith event, the U.S. President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged the Nigerian First Lady, recognising her as a respected leader associated with one of Nigeria’s largest churches.
The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual gathering that brings together political leaders, lawmakers, religious figures and international guests to reflect on faith, leadership and global cooperation. Over the years, it has also served as a platform for diplomatic engagement and symbolic recognition of foreign dignitaries.
Nigeria maintains long-standing diplomatic and political ties with the United States, with its leaders frequently attending global forums focused on governance, security, faith and development—engagements that often attract international attention and commendation.
However, Mrs Tinubu observed that public discourse within Nigeria has increasingly been shaped by intense political rivalry and social media-driven commentary, resulting in sustained scrutiny and online attacks against leaders at various levels of government.
Reacting to her recognition at the event, she said the episode once again underscored how Nigerian leaders are often more appreciated 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 narratives planted in their minds by political paymasters, which have also hardened their hearts,” she said.
She also condemned what she described as a growing culture of bullying and public ridicule directed at leaders, particularly on digital 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, mocking and ridiculing them publicly,” she added.
The First Lady stressed that national development thrives on unity and collective responsibility, urging citizens to support their leaders rather than undermine them.
“Nigeria is built on love, unity and collective effort towards 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.
She warned that persistent public ridicule and online attacks weaken national cohesion, deepen mistrust and ultimately hinder the country’s progress.