Despite past controversies surrounding President Bola Tinubu, including a U.S. court order for the FBI and DEA to disclose files related to a 1990s drug trafficking investigation resulting in a $460,000 forfeiture, a prominent APC figure in Osun State has urged Nigerians to refrain from making uninformed criticisms of the country and its leadership.
Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All-Progressives Congress and former member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, spoke to reporters in Osogbo, Osun’s capital, cautioning critics against negative rhetoric about Nigeria and the Tinubu-led government. He described such disparagement as “unpatriotic” and damaging to Nigeria’s reputation.
Oyintiloye emphasized that while the constitution guarantees freedom of speech, this right should not justify disrespectful or reckless statements aimed at the country or its leaders. He urged Nigerians to express concerns about governmental policies with civility and decorum.
Highlighting the impact of unfounded allegations by opposition members and critics, Oyintiloye said Nigeria’s global image is suffering unnecessarily. He acknowledged the country’s challenges but stressed the Tinubu administration is working to address them. He warned that negative comments by Nigerians both at home and abroad sabotage national progress and respect for Nigeria on the international stage.
According to Oyintiloye, public disparagement harms not only leaders but the entire nation’s standing worldwide. He urged citizens to adopt a more positive mentality, drawing on the example of Americans who consistently express patriotism despite difficulties. He called for an end to destructive commentary and encouraged collective prayer and effort to overcome Nigeria’s problems.
The APC leader also lamented that Nigerians abroad often face investigation and mistreatment partly due to damaging narratives propagated by some critics at home. He appealed to opposition voices to focus on constructive dialogue rather than image-damaging politics, predicting that Nigeria will eventually overcome its current problems and regain deserved pride on the world stage.
