An All Progressives Congress chieftain in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has cautioned Nigerians at home and abroad against making disparaging remarks about the country, warning that such statements could return to haunt their makers in the future.
In a statement released in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyintiloye said persistent negative comments about Nigeria and its leadership were “unpatriotic” and harmful to the nation’s reputation worldwide.
“There is no doubt that the country is passing through challenges which the current administration is doing its best to address. But making disparaging remarks about our dear country by Nigerians living abroad in the name of politics is affecting the image of the country negatively, and this is not good for our progress,” he said.
According to him, even though citizens have the right to criticise government policies, such criticism should be delivered with civility. “Calling the attention of the leadership of the country to issues deserving their attention should not involve abuse,” he stated.
Oyintiloye, who once represented Obokun State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, argued that attacks from high-profile critics and opposition figures were leaving Nigeria vulnerable to ridicule. He urged Nigerians to emulate citizens of other countries who, despite difficulties, show loyalty and respect.
“We should imbibe the culture of Americans who will always say ‘God Bless America’ no matter the situation they find themselves. We must desist from pulling down our country and its leadership across the globe. Disparaging our country and its leadership will do no one good, but with prayers and positive collective efforts, we will overcome,” he added.
He also warned that “the Internet will never forget whatever remarks” Nigerians make, stressing that those who insult the nation today may become victims of their own words later in life.
His comments come amid growing criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s government following the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies and rising insecurity. One of Tinubu’s most outspoken critics, activist Omoyele Sowore, is currently facing multiple cases in court.
The Department of State Services recently wrote to X Corp., demanding the deletion of Sowore’s post criticising Tinubu during a state visit to Brazil. The agency described the post as “false, online harassment, and a willful attempt to propagate an ideology.” Sowore refused to delete the post and later alleged that the DSS asked Facebook’s parent company, Meta, to deactivate his account.
Oyintiloye said such public attacks by citizens, especially those abroad, were exposing Nigerians to “investigation, harassment, and humiliation” and urged critics to focus on solutions rather than insults.
