A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has urged Nigerians at home and abroad to stop making disparaging comments about the country, warning that such remarks could backfire on those who make them.
In a statement issued in Osogbo on Sunday, September 14, Oyintiloye said negative statements against Nigeria and its leadership were counterproductive and harmful to the nation’s image globally.
He acknowledged the rising criticism of President Bola Tinubu over worsening poverty, subsidy removal, and insecurity but called for more constructive engagement.
“Calling the attention of the leadership of the country to issues deserving their attention should not involve abuse,” he said.
Describing it as “unpatriotic” to disparage the country and its leaders, Oyintiloye argued that citizens, especially high-profile Nigerians abroad, were damaging the country’s reputation.
He warned that “the Internet will never forget” such remarks, adding that critics might one day fall victim to their own words.
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“There is no doubt that the country is passing through challenges which the current administration is doing its best to address.
“But making disparaging remarks about our dear country by Nigerians living abroad in the name of politics is affecting the image of the country negatively, and this is not good for our progress,” he said.
He added that leaders must be accorded respect and dignity as representatives of Nigeria worldwide. He urged Nigerians to emulate Americans, who say “God Bless America” regardless of circumstances.
Oyintiloye lamented that many Nigerians abroad face investigations and harassment due to negative portrayals of the country, exposing the nation to ridicule.
He maintained that critics must rise above politics and stop damaging Nigeria’s image, expressing optimism that with collective effort, the country would overcome its challenges.