Attack on Seyi Tinubu insult on Nigerian youths – Balami

A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and youth advocate, Comrade Isaac Balami, has criticized the repeated attacks on Seyi Tinubu, describing them as an insult to Nigerian youths and the underprivileged.

He argued that Mr. Tinubu, through various initiatives, has consistently supported young people and the less privileged in the country.

Speaking in reaction to a recent video showing Seyi Tinubu accompanying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Rome for a papal event, Balami dismissed negative interpretations of the footage, noting that many of the circulating narratives were deliberately crafted to tarnish the image of the President’s son.

He encouraged Nigerian youths to resist those who have allegedly been hired to promote misleading stories aimed at undermining Seyi Tinubu’s reputation.

According to Balami, these attacks are rooted in the toxic political culture of targeting rising figures in the political arena.

He warned against the “Pull Him Down” mentality, emphasizing that it is possible to succeed without discrediting others.

Balami referenced past instances of online attacks against Seyi Tinubu, including one involving a factional president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who later issued an apology.

He observed that Seyi has frequently been subjected to social media bullying, despite his contributions to youth development.

Addressing the claims that Seyi Tinubu was blocked from shaking hands with the Pope, Balami stated that the video clearly showed no such attempt.

Rather, Seyi was merely directed to join his father at another exit point.

He questioned how some individuals could make baseless claims without factual backing, insisting that such misrepresentations should come to an end.

Balami believes the growing influence of Seyi Tinubu, particularly with speculations around his interest in the Lagos governorship race, has unsettled some political actors.

However, he maintained that it is already too late to derail Seyi’s popularity among Nigerian youths, citing his unprecedented investment in youth-focused initiatives.

Describing Seyi Tinubu as a role model, Balami praised his composure and commitment during the Rome trip, contrasting it with the behavior of some children of past leaders who prioritized nightlife and frivolities during similar occasions.

He commended Seyi’s discipline and engagement throughout the event and described him as someone with the potential to unify young Nigerians.

He stressed that what should matter to Nigerian youths is the level of support Seyi Tinubu and his foundation have offered them, noting that the evidence of his commitment to youth development is clear.

Balami also raised concerns about the dangers of online harassment, warning that if someone as privileged as Seyi Tinubu can be subjected to such attacks, ordinary youths aspiring for greater leadership roles may face even worse treatment.

He urged young Nigerians to unite and push back against efforts to bring down individuals like Seyi, who are making genuine efforts to uplift others.

He concluded by criticizing those spreading negative propaganda against Seyi Tinubu, emphasizing that while he is busy empowering young people, some detractors are investing their energy in media campaigns designed to discourage him.