The recent advice from Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, encouraging citizens to explore small businesses like selling akara (bean cakes), groundnuts, and kulikuli (a savory snack) has sparked a major debate. While many criticized her words as out of touch, former Ondo State governorship candidate Abass Mimiko is stepping in to defend her, pointing fingers at the political opposition for allegedly twisting her message to tarnish the administration’s image. This controversy highlights the delicate balance between public perception, political maneuvering, and genuine economic advice in Nigeria.
Here’s a quick rundown of the situation:
- First Lady Oluremi Tinubu suggested Nigerians consider small businesses like selling akara and groundnuts.
- This sparked widespread criticism, with many calling her remarks insensitive to the economic struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
- Abass Mimiko, a former candidate, claims the opposition deliberately misrepresented her words to cause outrage.
- He argues her comments were taken out of context and blown out of proportion for political gain.
- Mimiko emphasizes the First Lady’s supportive, non-elected role and her ‘Renewed Hope Initiative’ efforts.
- He also defends President Tinubu’s tough economic reforms, saying they stepped on powerful toes.
Opposition’s Mischief or Misunderstanding?
Abass Mimiko made his stance clear in a chat with the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Akure. He insists that the entire uproar is a calculated move by the political elite and the opposition to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s government. “I think the whole idea is the elite and the opposition to her husband that are trying to make a mountain out of this. I think there is a lot of mischief going on,” Mimiko stated emphatically.
The First Lady’s Role: More Than Just a Supportive Spouse?
Mimiko went further to clarify Senator Tinubu’s position. He pointed out that she is not an elected official, but rather uses her ‘Renewed Hope Initiative’ to support her husband’s administration. “Oluremi Tinubu herself is not an elected public office holder in Nigeria. She is just trying her best through the Renewed Hope Initiative to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of her husband. I think she has done a decent job, in fact an excellent job at that,” he remarked. He added that the media might be exaggerating the issue for attention.
He stressed that the First Lady’s constitutional role is primarily to provide support and ensure stability on the home front for the President. “If you ask me what is the primary job of the First Lady, she is the handler-in-chief of the home front of the Commander-in-Chief of the Federation. She is to keep our President safe, well cared for, healthy and happy. We cannot quantify the value of that,” Mimiko explained.
Defending Tough Economic Reforms
Beyond defending the First Lady, Mimiko also threw his weight behind President Tinubu’s administration, acknowledging that the economic reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidy and efforts to improve transparency in oil revenue, have been difficult but necessary. He suggested that these policies have inevitably ruffled feathers among powerful individuals and groups who benefited from the old system.
“You don’t remove fuel subsidy, you don’t tell everybody that proceeds from crude oil must go into NNPC accounts before export without stepping on powerful toes. There are powerful syndicates, local and international, that are offended by all of these. So, for the First Lady to be there, staying strong for the President and keeping him safe, among other duties, we have to appreciate her,” he urged.
‘Renewed Hope Initiative’ Making a Difference
Mimiko also took the opportunity to highlight the tangible impact of the First Lady’s ‘Renewed Hope Initiative’. He listed several key areas where the initiative has made significant contributions:
| Area of Focus | Specific Interventions |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Breast cancer prevention & treatment, tuberculosis control. |
| Women Empowerment | Support for widows, economic opportunities for women. |
| Humanitarian Support | Aid for orphans of military personnel, food and nutrition for the vulnerable. |
He believes these achievements deserve more public recognition than the controversy surrounding the First Lady’s recent comments. It’s clear that the conversation around economic empowerment and the First Lady’s role is complex, with differing perspectives on how best to address Nigeria’s challenges.
Further Reading: