SCSN Accuses First Lady Oluremi Tinubu of Selective Humanitarianism, Calls for Equity and Justice in Outreach
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has issued a strongly worded press statement accusing Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, of engaging in selective and religiously skewed humanitarian outreach, and urged her to reflect the diversity and unity of Nigeria in her interventions.
The statement, signed by the Secretary General of the Council, Nafiu Baba-Ahmad, mni, and made available to journalists over the weekend, expressed deep concern over what it described as a troubling pattern in the First Lady’s humanitarian engagements under her Renewed Hope Initiative. The apex Islamic body warned that the ongoing trend could erode public trust and inflame religious and regional tensions if not addressed with urgency.
“Recent actions have raised the perception that this platform is being tilted towards selective religious and political constituencies, in a manner that is neither fair nor reflective of the diverse fabric of the nation,” the SCSN said.
The SCSN cited several instances where relief and empowerment packages were allegedly distributed overwhelmingly to Christian-dominated communities, often under the banner of high-profile media coverage. For example, in September 2023, ₦500 million was reportedly donated to Plateau State, with beneficiaries largely from Christian communities. In December 2024, ₦5 million and 1,200 bags of rice were said to have been distributed across all 19 northern states exclusively through the Christian Northern Nigeria Political Forum (CNNPF)—a group the Council claims played little or no role in the Tinubu/Shettima electoral success.
Further donations cited include ₦1 billion worth of relief materials in July 2025 to Christian-majority areas in Plateau and Benue States. The SCSN expressed disappointment that no equivalent relief efforts were directed toward Muslim-majority communities, even in the face of “simultaneous or worse” humanitarian tragedies.
The Council specifically pointed to recent deadly boat mishaps in Niger and Kwara States, as well as persistent banditry in Zamfara and Katsina, which claimed many Muslim lives, as instances where the First Lady’s office failed to respond with condolence visits or material support.
The SCSN also criticized the silence of the First Lady on the killing of Muslim travellers in Jos, describing it as “painful and telling.”
Drawing parallels with past administrations, the Council warned that a perception of bias from the Office of the First Lady could become a political liability. It referenced the tenure of Dame Patience Jonathan, wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, whose perceived sectional bias in public conduct was partly blamed for alienating large segments of the population.
“Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, stands today at a similar crossroads,” the statement read. “The choice before her is simple: to use her platform to unite Nigerians through fair, balanced, and inclusive humanitarian outreach, or to deepen the dangerous perception that the Office of the First Lady is an exclusive channel for favoured religious and political groups.”
Emphasizing that the Muslim Ummah is not seeking preferential treatment, the Council reiterated its demand for fairness, equity, and balanced recognition in the humanitarian activities of the First Lady.
“The Muslim Ummah is not asking for favour or special privilege. We are asking for justice, fairness, and recognition of our equal place in the Nigerian federation.”
It concluded by calling on Her Excellency to live up to the spirit of her “Renewed Hope” vision by offering support to all Nigerians, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
The SCSN urged Senator Tinubu to reflect on her position and use her moral influence to bridge divides, rather than reinforce them through perceived partisan and religious preferences.
“Compassion loses its moral power when it appears to follow political loyalties or religious lines. The SCSN urges Her Excellency to rise above the pull of partisan and sectarian instincts, and to embrace the whole nation with equal warmth.”
The press statement was endorsed by Sheikh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, OON, President of SCSN, and Sheikh Isa Salahudeen Akindele, Vice President.