All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Joe Igbokwe has defended First Lady Remi Tinubu against the wave of criticism that followed her recent advice encouraging Nigerians to embrace small-scale businesses.
The First Lady had made the remarks while speaking with journalists after the second-quarter meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative with the wives of state governors at the State House in Abuja. She explained that the initiative has been supporting vulnerable Nigerians by providing grants—not loans—to help them establish small businesses and improve their means of livelihood.
According to Remi Tinubu, businesses such as selling akara, roasting corn, and producing kuli-kuli require minimal capital, making them viable options for individuals seeking to earn an income.
She said the initiative had done its best to provide hope by giving grants to beneficiaries, stressing that the support was meant to empower people rather than burden them with debt.
However, her comments sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians describing the advice as insensitive in light of the country’s economic challenges.
Reacting to the backlash, Joe Igbokwe took to his Facebook page on Saturday to condemn those attacking the First Lady, insisting that her comments were sincere and well-intentioned.
The APC stalwart questioned why an honest suggestion aimed at encouraging self-reliance had been turned into an opportunity for insults and online abuse.
Expressing disappointment over the reactions, Igbokwe lamented what he described as the growing culture of hostility on social media, accusing many users of using online platforms to spread insults even when truthful statements are made.
He added that the behaviour of some Nigerians on social media was troubling and concluded by saying that, in the end, people would eventually learn from the consequences of their actions.
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