Isaac Balami, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a staunch youth advocate, vehemently refutes allegations that Seyi Tinubu’s recent tour of northern Nigeria was politically motivated. He dismisses the ensuing backlash as mere political mischief, orchestrated by individuals seeking to exploit the situation for their own political advantage. Balami emphasizes that Seyi Tinubu’s outreach was a purely humanitarian endeavor carried out in the spirit of Ramadan, a holy month dedicated to charity and compassion. He highlights Tinubu’s long-standing involvement in philanthropic activities, predating his father, President Bola Tinubu’s, assumption of office. This established history of charitable giving, spanning over a decade, underscores the sincerity of his recent actions and debunks any notion of political opportunism. Balami asserts that Tinubu’s commitment to helping others has been a consistent aspect of his character, not a recently adopted strategy.
Balami criticizes those who have deliberately misconstrued Seyi Tinubu’s intentions, emphasizing that his acts of kindness have always transcended political divides. He cites instances where Tinubu has extended assistance to individuals across various political affiliations, including members of opposition parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Balami even points to a specific case where Tinubu covered the medical expenses of a young supporter of Peter Obi, a political opponent of his father, further demonstrating his non-partisan approach to philanthropy. This act, Balami argues, serves as compelling evidence against the accusations of political maneuvering, as it would be illogical to assist someone actively campaigning against your own family’s political interests if your motives were purely political.
Balami expresses his concern over the selective scrutiny faced by Seyi Tinubu, highlighting the fact that numerous prominent figures engage in similar charitable activities during Ramadan without attracting the same level of suspicion or criticism. He questions the double standard applied to Tinubu and suggests that the intense focus on his actions stems from discomfort with the positive impact a young Nigerian is making. This, he argues, is an unfair and unwarranted targeting of Tinubu, whose only apparent “crime” is choosing to help those in need. Balami maintains that Tinubu’s philanthropic work should be seen as an inspiration to other young Nigerians, a demonstration of the positive contributions they can make to society, rather than as a target for political attacks.
Balami urges Nigerians to look beyond the political noise and recognize the genuine nature of Seyi Tinubu’s efforts to foster unity and support the less privileged. He believes that Tinubu’s consistent dedication to helping others, regardless of their political affiliations, speaks volumes about his character and motivations. Balami encourages Tinubu to remain steadfast in his philanthropic endeavors, confident that the public will eventually discern the truth and appreciate his genuine commitment to giving back to society. He believes that continued acts of service will ultimately overcome the politically motivated criticisms, revealing Tinubu’s true intentions.
Balami frames Seyi Tinubu’s actions within a larger context of youth engagement and societal contribution. He suggests that the criticism directed at Tinubu is partly fueled by discomfort with the idea of a young individual, particularly one connected to a powerful political family, wielding positive influence and making a tangible difference in the lives of others. This, Balami argues, underscores a broader societal issue of overlooking or undermining the potential of young people to contribute meaningfully to nation-building. He contends that Tinubu’s dedication to philanthropy should be celebrated as a shining example of youth engagement and a testament to the positive impact young Nigerians can have on their communities.
Balami’s defense of Seyi Tinubu ultimately calls for a shift in perspective, urging Nigerians to move beyond politically charged narratives and recognize genuine acts of kindness and compassion. He believes that Tinubu’s commitment to helping others, regardless of their political affiliations, should be applauded and emulated, particularly by young Nigerians. Balami emphasizes that the true measure of a person’s character lies in their actions, not in the politically motivated interpretations imposed upon them. He concludes with a message of encouragement for Seyi Tinubu, urging him to persevere in his philanthropic work and trust that his sincerity and dedication will ultimately prevail over the politically driven criticisms.
