More than a decade after the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction shook Nigeria, popular skit maker Cute Abiola says Nigerians may have judged former First Lady Patience Jonathan too harshly.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, the comedian publicly apologised to Mrs. Jonathan for the ridicule she endured following her emotional reaction to the 2014 Chibok tragedy.
At the time, Patience Jonathan became the subject of countless jokes, memes and comedy skits after a televised appearance in which she passionately demanded answers over the disappearance of schoolgirls abducted from Chibok, Borno State.
Her emotional delivery and grammatical mistakes quickly became internet material, overshadowing the pain and concern she was trying to express.
More than ten years later, Cute Abiola believes many Nigerians now see that moment differently.
The content creator said recent incidents involving the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State forced him to reflect on how Mrs. Jonathan was treated.
According to him, what many people mocked at the time was actually the genuine grief of a woman deeply affected by the suffering of innocent children and their families.
In the post, he wrote:
“Years ago, when you cried on national television over the pain, bloodshed and kidnapping of innocent children, you felt the pain of the victims and their families.”
He added that many Nigerians now understand that her tears were not a sign of weakness but an expression of humanity during a difficult national crisis.
Cute Abiola also thanked the former First Lady for speaking up when many others remained silent, saying the recent insecurity challenges facing communities across the country have given many people a different perspective on her actions.
The apology quickly attracted reactions online.
While some Nigerians agreed that Mrs. Jonathan deserved a public apology, others argued that public figures naturally attract criticism when addressing national issues.
Still, many social media users acknowledged that the Chibok tragedy itself was often overshadowed by jokes and political arguments, leaving little room for empathy toward those visibly affected by the crisis.
For supporters of the former First Lady, the message represents a rare moment of reflection on how public discourse sometimes turns serious national tragedies into entertainment.