Criticism Must be Civil, Respectful,Says Oyintiloye

Criticism Must Be Civil, Respectful, Says Oyintiloye

 

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has cautioned critics and opposition figures against making unguarded remarks capable of tarnishing the image of Nigeria and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

 

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, gave the warning yesterday while addressing journalists in Osogbo. He described as unpatriotic the act of disparaging the country and its leadership in the name of politics.

 

According to him, persistent humiliation of the country by some Nigerians at home and abroad, particularly through unfounded allegations and reckless utterances, is portraying Nigeria negatively in the international community.

 

He said though the constitution guarantees freedom of speech, it should not be abused through the use of “uncultured and destructive words” against the nation and its leadership.

 

“Nigeria’s global image is suffering from unguided and unsubstantiated allegations against President Tinubu’s administration. No doubt, the country is passing through challenges, but the government is doing its best to address them,” he said.

 

Oyintiloye lamented that many Nigerians abroad were being subjected to harassment and investigations due to negative portrayals of the country by their compatriots.

 

He advised critics to emulate Americans who, regardless of their challenges, never stop affirming their patriotism with the phrase ‘God Bless America’.

 

“No matter the challenges, our leaders must be accorded respect and dignity as representatives of our nation. We must desist from pulling down our country across the globe. Disparaging our country and its leadership will do no one any good. With prayers and positive efforts, we will overcome,” he said.

 

The APC chieftain expressed confidence that Nigeria would surmount its current challenges and that citizens would, in time, be proud to identify as Nigerians anywhere in the world.