Barau Jibrin Praises Oluremi Tinubu's Senate Record
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has credited Senator Oluremi Tinubu's elevation to the position of Nigeria's first lady to her exceptional punctuality and dedication during her 12-year tenure representing Lagos Central. Barau made the remarks on Tuesday during plenary in Abuja, after Senator Abdul Ningi proposed that the Senate begin recording attendance at the close of each sitting to identify and honour members who remain in the chamber through to adjournment.
According to Barau, God rewards those who are serious about their legislative responsibilities. He pointed to Remi Tinubu's Senate career as a compelling illustration of how commitment pays off. "Let me even say one thing, apart from being compensated by colleagues or by the leadership, God also compensates you, rewards you for what you are doing," he said. "I will give you a good example. The current first lady, she used to be the number one person, the first person who always came to this senate."
God Rewards Serious Lawmakers
Barau added: "When she was in the Senate, the most punctual, very punctual, and she would stay throughout the session. She would come here before any other person. So, you see, God has rewarded her with the position of first lady." Remi Tinubu served as the senator representing Lagos Central from June 6, 2011, to June 11, 2023, a period spanning 12 years. She assumed the role of first lady after her husband, President Bola Tinubu, won the 2023 presidential election.
Barau urged all serving lawmakers to approach their duties with greater seriousness, emphasising that they occupy their seats on behalf of Nigerians. "So not only the leadership, but even God rewards those who are serious with their businesses, who are serious with their representation." Ningi's original proposal was that the Senate adopt a practice similar to the House of Representatives, where attendance is taken at the end of plenary to document which lawmakers stayed for the full sitting.
Attendance Proposal Amid Low Turnout
The proposal came as fewer than 50 senators were present when the chamber was preparing to adjourn, as reported by TheCable. Barau's comments highlight the issue of legislative attendance and the importance of punctuality in public service. He noted that both the senate leadership and God reward lawmakers who take their legislative duties seriously.
Oluremi Tinubu's Akara Story Draws Criticism
In a separate event, Mrs Tinubu spotlighted a young graduate who turned to selling akara after failing to secure employment, saying she subsequently equipped him with more resources. Speaking at the launch of the National Community Food Bank in Lokoja, Kogi State on Saturday, July 12, Tinubu said the graduate now employs 12 workers under his akara business. Her remarks drew sharp criticism online, with many Nigerians questioning why the government's response to graduate unemployment is to celebrate street food vending rather than job creation.
