In politics, every seat of power comes with its entourage of loyalists—call them Special Assistants, Advisers, Commissioners, or whatever title fits. But no matter their title, many of these aides share one thing in common: an eagerness to go overboard defending their bosses—sometimes at the expense of decency or the law.
Some public officials even encourage this. They enjoy the theatrics of having “attack dogs” who pounce on anyone who questions or critiques them. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that these overly aggressive loyalists often do more harm than good, dragging their principals into controversy—or worse, disgrace.
A Throwback Worth Remembering
A striking example of this kind of abuse happened over 50 years ago. In 1973, journalist Minere Amakiri wrote a piece about a teachers’ strike. Unfortunately, the article was published on the birthday of Military Governor Alfred Diete-Spiff of Rivers State—and his aides took it personally.
Amakiri was arrested, had his head forcibly shaved, and received 33 strokes of the cane—all for doing his job. His case sparked outrage. Human rights icon Gani Fawehinmi took it to court, and justice was eventually served. The court awarded Amakiri ₦10,000 in damages—a sizable sum back then. The story became a cautionary tale about what happens when power is misused by overzealous subordinates.
Now Fast Forward to 2024…
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, recently visited Delta State as part of her Renewed Hope Initiative Health Programme. The event aimed to boost maternal health, with 10,000 professional kits distributed to midwives in the South-South.
As expected at such events, the emcee got a bit dramatic, hyping the First Lady as “Na our Mama be dis o!” The audience—mostly students—playfully responded with a cheeky twist: “Na your Mama be dis o!”
Clearly not the scripted call-and-response moment.
One nursing student, Osato Edobor, later posted a lighthearted TikTok video capturing the moment. But rather than laugh it off or let it slide, the provost of her school, Delta State College of Nursing Sciences, issued a query, accusing her of misconduct for sharing an “unofficial response.”
And just like that, a fun moment almost turned into a national drama.
The First Lady Takes the High Road
Many anticipated a harsh reaction, but Remi Tinubu responded with unexpected grace. In a calm and measured press statement—written in her own voice—she acknowledged the chant, thanked Delta residents for their warm welcome, and gently called for balance between discipline and free expression.
Here’s a key excerpt from her statement:
“While I respect the institution’s right to maintain discipline, I also believe that students should feel safe to express themselves in a light-hearted manner… I trust that the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences will handle this matter with understanding and fairness.”
She didn’t play the victim. She didn’t flex her political muscles. Instead, she demonstrated maturity and restraint—a refreshing contrast to the old guard’s tactics.
A Lesson in Leadership
Remi Tinubu could’ve gone the Amakiri route. The provost and other “defenders of decorum” were seemingly prepared for that. But she flipped the script. No drama. No punishment. Just understanding and class.
And that’s the takeaway here: true power doesn’t always bark. Sometimes, it simply speaks with wisdom and grace.
Senator Tinubu, by the way, is an alumna of Obafemi Awolowo University, a school known for activism and progressive thought. Perhaps that’s where she learned that leadership isn’t about forcing respect—it’s about earning it.
So yes, Bravo, Remi Tinubu. Sometimes, silence isn’t weakness—it’s strength in its purest form.
