Mimiko: Opposition fueling outrage over First Lady Remi Tinubu’s akara remarks

Abass Mimiko, a former governorship candidate in Nigeria's Ondo State, has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu against criticism for her suggestion that Nigerians explore small-scale businesses like selling akara, groundnuts, and kulikuli. Mimiko, the younger brother of former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, asserted that the backlash is fueled by political opponents and the elite aiming to discredit President Bola Tinubu's administration.

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I think the whole idea is the elite and the opposition to her husband that are trying to make a mountain out of this. I think there is a lot of mischief going on.

Speaking to the Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Akure, Mimiko characterized the controversy as unnecessary and politically motivated, stating that the First Lady's remarks have been significantly exaggerated. "I think the whole idea is the elite and the opposition to her husband that are trying to make a mountain out of this. I think there is a lot of mischief going on," he said.

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Oluremi Tinubu herself is not an elected public office holder in Nigeria. She is just trying her best through the Renewed Hope Initiative to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of her husband.

Mimiko emphasized that Oluremi Tinubu, while not an elected public office holder, actively supports her husband's administration through the Renewed Hope Initiative. He praised her efforts, calling her job "decent" and even "excellent." He suggested that informal media outlets are seeking ratings by creating a large issue out of a minor comment. Mimiko urged Nigerians to appreciate the First Lady, highlighting that her constitutional role differs from that of elected officials.

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I think she has done a decent job, in fact an excellent job at that. The informal media is just trying to get ratings by making a whole lot of heavy weather out of this.