A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has condemned the wave of criticism directed at First Lady Oluremi Tinubu over her recent advice encouraging Nigerians to embrace small-scale businesses, describing the online backlash as shameful.
The First Lady recently came under intense criticism on social media after a viral video showed her encouraging Nigerians to consider starting small and medium-sized businesses, including frying and selling akara, as a means of earning a living.
Her remarks, however, sparked widespread reactions from many Nigerians, particularly young people, who argued that the government should focus on creating employment opportunities rather than advising citizens to take up petty trading.
Reacting in a Facebook post on Saturday, Igbokwe expressed disappointment over the response to the First Lady’s comments, insisting that she merely offered sincere advice.
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“This generation frightens me to the marrows. An honest advice HE Oluremi Tinubu gave to young Nigerians on how to help themselves has become a tool to abuse and to pour invectives,” he wrote.
The APC chieftain lamented what he described as the misuse of social media to attack public figures, even when, in his view, they express genuine opinions.
“Social Media has become a tool to unleash scurrilous drivels even when the truth is spoken,” he stated.
Igbokwe also criticised those behind the online attacks, warning that such conduct reflected poorly on society.
“We will learn las las. See the empty heads and headless mobs dancing naked in the public space left and right. Awon werey everywhere. Shame has enveloped me,” he added.
The controversy surrounding the First Lady’s comments has continued to generate debate online, with opinions divided between those who believe her advice encourages entrepreneurship and others who argue that government should prioritise creating more jobs and improving economic conditions for Nigerians.