Former presidential media aide and veteran journalist, Dr. Reuben Abati, has criticized Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, for accompanying an official delegation to Qatar last week, labeling his participation as unwarranted and reflective of privilege.
The trip, which aimed to engage investors in Doha and promote investment in Nigeria, saw Seyi Tinubu joining the delegation alongside his brother Yinka, sparking controversy and backlash on social media platforms.
During an appearance on the Arise TV morning show on Wednesday, Abati voiced his disapproval of the Tinubu brothers’ involvement, particularly in light of their perceived lack of individual accomplishments. He expressed dissatisfaction with their portrayal of themselves as “jobless” and “invalids” merely because of their father’s political status.
Abati drew attention to his own achievements, highlighting that by the age equivalent to that of the Tinubu brothers, he had already obtained a doctorate degree and was actively engaged in meaningful pursuits. He admonished individuals of privilege to demonstrate self-reliance and independence, urging them not to rely solely on their familial connections for relevance.
Furthermore, Abati emphasized the importance of maturity and self-sufficiency, criticizing the behavior of individuals who lean excessively on their family’s prominence. He suggested that such dependency could lead to embarrassment, especially for spouses who may bear the brunt of their partner’s lack of initiative.
The official delegation to Qatar included prominent government officials such as Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Mele Kyari.
