‘I Am Ashamed’ — Joe Igbokwe Reacts to Backlash Over Remi Tinubu’s Viral Advice

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has criticised the wave of online attacks directed at First Lady Oluremi Tinubu following her recent remarks encouraging Nigerians to embrace small-scale entrepreneurship.

Igbokwe said he was ashamed by the reactions from many social media users, describing the criticism as unfair and reflective of a troubling trend in public discourse.

The backlash followed a viral video in which the First Lady advised Nigerians, particularly young people, to consider starting small and medium-scale businesses as a means of earning a living.

Speaking at a public event, Remi Tinubu suggested that ventures such as frying and selling akara were practical businesses that could provide a source of income.

Her comments, however, sparked widespread criticism on social media, where many Nigerians argued that the government should focus on creating employment opportunities rather than encouraging citizens to engage in petty trading.

Several users accused the administration of failing to address unemployment and worsening economic hardship, insisting that the advice did not reflect the realities facing millions of jobless youths.

Reacting to the controversy in a Facebook post on Saturday, Igbokwe defended the First Lady, insisting that her comments were intended to encourage self-reliance rather than provoke public outrage.

“This generation frightens me to the marrows. An honest advice HE Oluremi Tinubu gave to young Nigerians on how to help themselves has become a tool to abuse and to pour invectives,” he wrote.

He lamented what he described as the growing misuse of social media, arguing that online platforms have become channels for insults even when genuine advice is offered.

According to him, many people have become unwilling to appreciate constructive suggestions, choosing instead to attack public figures regardless of the context of their remarks.

“Social Media has become a tool to unleash scurrilous drivels even when the truth is spoken,” he added.

Igbokwe also criticised those behind the online backlash, describing them as “empty heads” and “headless mobs” while expressing disappointment over the tone of public conversations.

“We will learn las las. See the empty heads and headless mobs dancing naked in the public space left and right. Awon werey everywhere. Shame has enveloped me,” he concluded.

The First Lady has yet to respond publicly to the criticism generated by her remarks.