A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and youth advocate, Comrade Isaac Balami, has described the backlash over Seyi Tinubu’s recent tour of northern Nigeria as unnecessary and politically driven.
Balami suggested that the call by some Nigerians and Lagosians for Seyi Tinubu to contest the Lagos State governorship election may have triggered the sudden wave of criticism against him.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, the former spokesperson of the Trade Union Congress and ex-national president of the Aircraft Pilots and Engineers Association stated that while he had considered personally reaching out to Seyi Tinubu to express gratitude for his humanitarian efforts, he opted to make his stance public to enlighten Nigerians who might have been misled.
According to Balami, Seyi Tinubu should be commended rather than vilified for his selfless contributions to national unity and progress. He noted that Tinubu’s humanitarian work cuts across religious and political divides, making the criticism of his northern visit unwarranted.
Dismissing the negative reactions as baseless, Balami said, “The haters of Nigeria know that what Seyi Tinubu is doing will amount to not just victory for himself, but victory for young people.”
He argued that before Seyi Tinubu was urged by young Nigerians to run for governor, his patriotic initiatives had not been met with hostility.
“As he continues to reach out to non-tribal youths and the less privileged, Mr Tinubu appears to be gearing towards winning a medal of peace and unity,” Balami stated.
He further argued that many Nigerians would wish for their children to emulate Seyi Tinubu’s dedication to service, saying, “Of course, who is that parent whose prayer is not to have a child who is dedicated to doing the will of God as against doing the will of men?”
Balami urged Nigerians to encourage young politicians, local government administrators, and entrepreneurs to follow Seyi Tinubu’s example rather than discourage him.
“Mr Seyi Tinubu had started these Iftar reach-outs 10–15 years ago when his father was not the nation’s president. Are some people saying he should quit because the father is the current president? What, therefore, is wrong should the son of the president reach out to those in need or genuinely share some moments with northern Muslims at their quiet and prayerful time?
“The most ridiculous is the insinuation that his gesture was politically motivated. Even if Seyi is doing this for political reasons, what is wrong?
“We know how children of presidents behave. Many won’t come down from their high horses, but Seyi has continued to do what most children of presidents have never done. He is down to earth. So what would Nigerians prefer, a Seyi who parties all around the world or a Seyi who is sensitive to the needs of his people? I’m sure some Nigerians will be happy to see the son of the president partying away in Dubai and all around the world. They will be happy because useful time and resources are being wasted on frivolities. Seyi may have disappointed some persons who have such expectations.
“It’s perplexing that we love to trivialize serious issues in this country and until we stop our emotion from consuming the best part of us, we will continue to display a high level of ignorance while taking a stance on issues.
“Today, many prominent Nigerians have made it a culture to always reach out to either Christians or Muslims during their fasting periods. As we speak, many top Nigerians have continued to tour the north in support of Muslims who are having quiet and prayerful moments. How is Seyi Tinubu’s tour of the north different?
“Seyi, during the COVID-19 era, shocked the world with his NGO rendering unimaginable services and support across the country. Has Seyi’s personality changed simply because his father is the current president?
“I had recounted before how Seyi had, out of his usual magnanimity, released a huge amount of money for the treatment of an Obidient youth who campaigned against his father. He has also supported individuals across party lines, including youths from the PDP and APGA. It’s only a man with a large heart that can assist a ‘traducer.’”
Balami stressed that Seyi Tinubu’s actions reflect his non-tribal mindset, citing the composition of his workforce as evidence.
“More than 50 percent of the staff in his organization are northerners,” he stated.
“In my own view and as stated earlier, Mr Seyi Tinubu deserves a medal and not a death sentence. My prayer is that God should give us ‘Seyis’ in our families.
“My brother Seyi, do not get discouraged because your success, without a doubt, is for the good of Nigeria.
“In local parlance, ‘na only tree wey dey produce ripe fruit, people dey stone to pluck.’ In no time, Nigerians will begin to see clearly the fruits in you.
“People wanted you to take the place of God, but you are not God. You have your shortcomings too as a human. But we are optimistic that you will be remembered only for the positive things you have done. Please continue to do what you can do as a human and ignore completely any form of distractions,” the former National Deputy Campaign Manager for Obi/Datti said.
Seyi Tinubu’s recent northern tour was carried out in solidarity with northern communities during Ramadan, during which he engaged in empowerment initiatives and charitable outreach.
