Nigerian comedian and skit maker, Abdulgafar Ahmad Abiola, popularly known as Cute Abiola, has issued a heartfelt apology to former First Lady Patience Jonathan over remarks he made years ago regarding her reaction to the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction.
The apology has reignited public conversations around one of Nigeria’s most painful national tragedies and the way Patience Jonathan’s emotional response was perceived at the time.
Taking to his Instagram and Facebook pages, Cute Abiola reflected on the incident, admitting that the former First Lady’s tears and passionate pleas were unfairly mocked. He acknowledged that her reaction came from a place of genuine empathy and concern for the abducted girls and their families.
“MUMMY! I just want to say we are sorry,” he wrote.
He continued by recognising that her emotional display, once ridiculed by many, should have been seen as a reflection of humanity rather than weakness.
“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. You spoke with emotion because you understood the gravity of what was happening to our nation. Today, as kidnapping and insecurity continue to affect innocent Nigerians, many now realise that your tears were not a weakness. They were humanity.”
He concluded by apologising for the ridicule she faced and expressing gratitude for her courage to speak up during a difficult time, while also offering prayers for affected families and the nation.
The apology has since sparked mixed reactions across social media. While some users commended the comedian for acknowledging past mistakes, others used the moment to reflect on the country’s current security challenges.
One user, @muibim, wrote, “People don’t appreciate what they have until they lose it. May Almighty heal our lands.”
Another, @oluwatobiiee, described her as the “Best First Lady ever.”
Similarly, @divisionary_cakes1 commented on how her concerns were dismissed at the time, noting that the situation has worsened in recent years and calling for divine intervention for the country.
Cute Abiola’s statement has not only served as a personal apology but also as a broader reflection on empathy, leadership, and how public figures are judged during moments of national crisis.
