The former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, who officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 senatorial election has defended Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, stating that she has made her office more impactful to ordinary citizens compared to some of her predecessors.
Sani, in a statement, criticised public perception of past First Ladies, noting that many Nigerians previously accepted limited public engagement from occupants of the role.
“You once had First Ladies who only confined themselves to the comfort and luxuries of Aso Rock, Abuja; you were okay with that.
“You once had First Ladies who never cared about the poor and the vulnerable; you were okay with it. You once had First Ladies who were only interested in wielding and manipulating power; you were okay with it.”
He further remarked:
“You once had First Ladies whom you only saw during expensive, high-class weddings and birthdays; you were okay with it. You once had First Ladies who spent most part of their ‘tenure’ living in Dubai or Turkey; you were okay with it. You only have problems with the present First Lady, who is visible, accessible, and every week visits states, physically meeting with women across the country, sharing the token her office can afford, and championing causes on education, health, environment, skills, and agriculture. One who gave a little is better than one who gave nothing.”
Sani also compared the current First Lady’s performance with notable past figures, including Victoria Gowon, Maryam Babangida, and Maryam Abacha.
“After Victoria Gowon, Maryam Babangida, and Maryam Abacha, no other First Lady in the Fourth Republic has made her office more beneficial to the common people in the country like the present one,” he said.
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