Stop Twisting Her Words!’ Joe Igbokwe Speaks Out On Remi Tinubu’s Controversial Advice

The controversy surrounding remarks made by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has continued to generate reactions, with prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Joe Igbokwe criticizing Nigerians over what he described as unfair attacks against her.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to reports, the First Lady came under heavy criticism after encouraging Nigerians to explore small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli as viable means of earning a living.

Oluremi Tinubu made the comments while addressing journalists after the second-quarter meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative with the wives of state governors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. She explained that the initiative focuses on empowering vulnerable Nigerians through grants rather than loans, enabling beneficiaries to establish small businesses and improve their livelihoods.

She noted that starting ventures such as akara sales, roasted corn, or kuli-kuli production requires relatively little capital, stressing that the support provided under the programme was in the form of grants and not loans. The First Lady added that the initiative was aimed at giving hope to Nigerians and providing assistance within the resources available to her.

However, her remarks sparked widespread debate on social media, where many Nigerians interpreted the advice as insensitive in light of the country’s current economic challenges. The comments triggered a wave of criticism directed at the First Lady.

Reacting to the backlash, Joe Igbokwe defended Oluremi Tinubu, expressing disappointment over the public response. In a statement shared on his Facebook page on Saturday, the APC stalwart argued that the First Lady’s remarks were intended as sincere advice to encourage self-reliance rather than provoke outrage.

He lamented what he described as the growing trend of using social media to attack public figures, even when they offer what he considers genuine counsel. Igbokwe further criticized online users for what he called the misuse of digital platforms to spread insults and hostility, saying the reaction to the First Lady’s comments reflected a troubling culture of intolerance and public ridicule.