NANS tackles Bauchi gov’s son for criticising Seyi Tinubu
The National Association of Nigerian Students on Wednesday criticised Shamsudeen Mohammed, the son of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, over his recent veiled criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Shamsudeen had urged Seyi Tinubu to focus on providing employment opportunities for youths in Bauchi rather than distributing handouts, asserting that the youths in the state are not beggars.
His comments came as Seyi Tinubu is touring northern states for his Renewed Hope Youth Engagement program, during which he distributes food to the people, particularly during Ramadan.
Shamsudeen, whose father is a vocal critic of President Tinubu, told Seyi Tinubu: “Please, we, the youths of Bauchi, don’t need rice and food in nylon bags during Ramadan. Teach our youths how to fish, rather than feeding them for one day. They are not beggars.”
However, in a statement on Wednesday, NANS Senate President, Usman Nagwaza, rebuked Shamsudeen, suggesting that he should instead urge his father to create job opportunities, as Seyi Tinubu is a private citizen with no executive powers.
Nagwaza responded, “To demand that Seyi Tinubu, a private citizen with no executive powers, should miraculously solve the unemployment crisis in a state with a fully functioning government is nothing short of an abdication of duty.”
He continued, “It is crucial to recognise that Seyi Tinubu’s generosity and benevolence should be commended, not criticised. His philanthropic efforts, demonstrated through numerous acts of kindness across the nation, highlight his genuine concern for the well-being of others.”
Nagwaza emphasised that Seyi Tinubu’s efforts to support the people should not be met with criticism but with praise, urging him not to be discouraged from his path of service.
“History will favour those who, despite unwarranted vilification, remain steadfast in their pursuit of the greater good,” he said. “Let it be clear that the burden of leadership should not be shifted to private individuals, and those who have failed their people should first reflect before offering unsolicited advice.”
Nagwaza further criticised Shamsudeen for attempting to deflect responsibility from the administration his father leads, stating that he should be “mortified by his own audacity” in doing so.
