The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has decried what she described as a troubling pattern in which Nigerian leaders receive honour and recognition internationally but face criticism, abuse, and ridicule from citizens at home.

Mrs Tinubu made the remark in a Facebook post on Friday, shortly after she was publicly commended by United States President Donald Trump at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC.

Speaking at the high-profile event attended by members of the US Congress, religious figures and global guests, Trump singled out the Nigerian First Lady for special recognition, describing her as a “very respected woman” and acknowledging her dual role as Nigeria’s First Lady and an ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

“We’re honoured to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria,” Trump said. “A very respected woman. First Lady, please, where are you? Thank you very much. It’s a great honour. Very respected person, too.”

Reacting to the commendation, Mrs Tinubu said the praise underscores a sharp contrast between how Nigerian leaders are perceived abroad and how they are treated within the country.

According to her, negative narratives allegedly driven by political interests have shaped public perception and fueled hostility toward leaders, even when they are acknowledged internationally for their roles and contributions.

“Most of our leaders are highly respected and honoured abroad, yet many Nigerians fail to value what they have because of hatred and the narratives planted in their minds by political paymasters, which have also hardened their hearts,” she stated.

She also condemned what she called a growing culture of public ridicule and online harassment directed at public office holders, warning that such behaviour weakens unity and slows national progress.

“They bully these leaders, speak ill of them, demean them, curse them, and even seize upon their mistakes to drag them across social media, ridiculing and mocking them publicly,” she said.

The First Lady stressed that national development requires cooperation and mutual respect between leaders and citizens, urging Nigerians to embrace unity and constructive engagement.

“Nigeria is built on love, unity, and collective effort toward shared success. Let us come together to support our respected leaders and work hand in hand with them to make our country great,” she added.

Her remarks come amid renewed international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation following recent claims by some US officials alleging targeted violence against Christians — a position the Federal Government has rejected, insisting that insecurity in the country affects citizens across religious and ethnic divides and is rooted in terrorism and criminality rather than faith.