Nigerian leaders respected abroad but criticised at home, says Remi Tinubu

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, says many Nigerian leaders receive recognition and honour internationally but face criticism, hostility and ridicule from citizens at home.

She made the remarks on Friday in a post on her Facebook page, days after President Donald Trump publicly described her as “a very respected woman” during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC.

The annual event, attended by members of the US Congress, religious leaders and international guests, featured remarks by Trump on faith, leadership and global religious freedom. During his address, he acknowledged the presence of the Nigerian First Lady and noted her role as both Nigeria’s First Lady and an ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

“We’re honoured to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria,” Trump said. “A very respected woman. First Lady, please, where are you? Thank you very much. It’s a great honour. Very respected person, too.”

Responding to the recognition, Mrs Tinubu said the contrast between how Nigerian leaders are viewed abroad and how they are treated at home reflects the influence of negative narratives shaped by political interests.

“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.

She criticised what she described as a pattern of public ridicule and online attacks on leaders, saying such behaviour undermines national cohesion and progress.

“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 added.

Mrs Tinubu urged citizens to show greater support for public officials and to prioritise unity and cooperation.

“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.

Her comments come amid renewed international attention on Nigeria’s security situation, following claims by Trump and some US lawmakers that Christians in Nigeria face widespread violence.

In late 2025, the United States designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged attacks on Christians. The Nigerian government rejected the designation, describing it as inaccurate and insisting that the country’s security challenges stem from terrorism and criminality affecting citizens across religious and ethnic lines.