By Adelodun Adetoyese
Those who really know me understand how much I adore President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. My admiration for him stems not from political convenience or trend-following, but from years of witnessing his tenacity, strategic brilliance, and unrelenting commitment to public service. My commitment to him will last till tomorrow, regardless of the clamour or problems.
But, to be honest, his buddies, appointments, aides, and close colleagues aren’t doing well. That would be an understatement.
Let me be quite clear: President Tinubu holds public office. As a result, any Nigerian has the right to question him, criticize his policies, and demand better government. That’s what democracy entails. That is exactly what leadership entails. However, what I’ve seen from others surrounding him is not just disheartening, but also harmful to the legacy he is attempting to establish.
Too many officials in this government have specialized in eye care. They are more concerned with selfies, ceremonies, media stunts, and stifling criticism than with highlighting the actual job being done or engaging the public. These aren’t loyalists; they’re opportunistic. Unfortunately, they are giving the president a terrible name.
Instead of supporting the president with facts and evidence, they pick arguments, belittle opponents, and try to suppress anyone who disagrees. What exactly are they hoping to gain—contracts, appointments, or simply bragging rights for being “near to power”? Whatever the case may be, they are failing him.
Now, let’s talk about some recent shameful incidents that have further exposed this unhealthy pattern:
Take the School of Nursing and the First Lady incident, for example. A simple Jibes post from a student, and suddenly, sanctions are being thrown around without clarification. Why was the Ministry of Health so quick to act without hearing from the Office of the First Lady? What exactly is the big deal if some students say, “She’s not our mother”? Must everything become a show of power and overreaction?
Then there’s the NYSC lady saga, in which a young lady simply expressed her dissatisfaction with the government while serving. Instead of responding to her concerns or engaging her constructively, she was sanctioned and shamed through social media. Why can’t we tolerate opposing viewpoints anymore? When did we become so vulnerable that any sort of criticism becomes an attack?
Remember Peter Obi’s standing boy, Qudri Alabi? A little youngster who expressed affection for another politician, but I’ve heard he was mistreated. Why? Are we saying that youths should only admire one political person or suffer harassment? What message are we truly delivering to the future of this country?
Perhaps the most terrible example is NBC’s decision to ban Eedris Abdulkarim’s song. That was a disappointing blow. NBC has no authority to gag him just because he criticized the government. That is not simply petty; it is cowardly. If there is a problem with Eedris, confront him. Do not punish him for his views. Perhaps the most terrible example is NBC censoring Eedris Abdulkarim’s song. That was a disappointing blow. NBC has no authority to gag him just because he criticized the government. That is not simply petty; it is cowardly. If there is a problem with Eedris, confront him. Do not punish him for his views.
Which brings me to Seyi Tinubu
Let me be really honest: Eedris Abdulkarim and anyone else striving for relevance should leave Seyi out of the matter. If you have something to say, direct it to President Tinubu—he is the one in office. Seyi did not nominate himself. He is not in charge of economic policies or cabinet choices.
Dragging his name into personal feuds is a poor attempt to get attention. If your career needs a boost, find something unique or beneficial to offer—rather than cheap digs at someone’s son. Those who applaud Eedris should ask themselves whether this is genuine activism or simply deep jealousy.
Again, President Tinubu is not immune from criticism. He is responsible to Nigerians. But let us aim our dissatisfaction to the appropriate sources. Misplaced hostility and sycophantic sheltering will only erode this administration’s reputation.
Mr. President does not need praise singers; he needs genuine thinkers, doers, and candid voices. People who will confront, correct, and support the vision rather than those who pretend and undermine it at night.
If you truly care about Nigeria and respect President Tinubu, you must put an end to this eye service and hold those around him accountable. Give constructive criticism. Speak confidently. But let’s not include his family in what is clearly an issue of governance.
Nigeria needs growth, not noise. And to those seeking favour with power: serve rather than be a sycophant.