The Delta State Ministry of Higher Education has directed Osato Edobor, a student of the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences, to record a video thanking Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for intervening in her case. Edobor had received a query from her school after posting a video about Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s visit to Delta State, which highlighted the now-trending phrase: “Na your Mama be dis.”
According to a source, Edobor was asked to record the video after the governor intervened and ordered the college to withdraw the query letter. The source said, “She was contacted by the state’s education commissioner on Friday and asked to make a short video thanking the governor for directing the school to withdraw the letter.”
Edobor had been accused of insulting the governor and violating the institution’s standards by recording and posting the video. The college provost, Mrs. Evbodaghe Rita Ogonne, referred to Edobor’s actions as a “malicious act” that contravened the expected behavior of students during official events.
However, Edobor’s video was actually a narration of the students’ trip to the event venue, where she jokingly commented on the students’ rejection of the First Lady as their mother, which led to the “Na your Mama be dis” trending video. Edobor also mentioned that she didn’t know the governor’s name, stating, “Look at the Delta State governor… uhmm, I don’t know his name, sorry guys, I’m not from Delta State.”
Edobor also commented on the students’ rejection of the First Lady as their mother, saying, “Oga, no be our mama — our mama dey house o.” Additionally, she mentioned that she didn’t know the governor’s name, stating, “Look at the Delta State governor… uhmm, I don’t know his name, sorry guys, I’m not from Delta State.”
The incident highlights the growing frustration among Nigerians over the economic hardship affecting them under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The students’ rejection of the First Lady as their mother reflects this sentiment, as they openly disagreed with the Master of Ceremony’s introduction of Tinubu as “everyone’s mother”. The students’ response, “Na your mama be this” (“This is your mother”), made it clear they did not accept the title.
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The college provost, Mrs. Evbodaghe, accused Edobor of disgracing the school and violating the nursing code while in uniform. However, Edobor’s supporters argue that she did not commit any offense and was simply expressing her opinions.
The query letter issued to Edobor demanded an explanation for her actions within 24 hours, warning her that failure to comply may result in disciplinary action. However, following public outcry, the ministry called to claim that the state governor had intervened and ordered the college to withdraw the letter.
Edobor’s situation has sparked concerns about freedom of expression and the rights of students to express their opinions without fear of reprisal. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express their support for Edobor, arguing that she did not deserve to be punished for exercising her right to free speech.
The incident has also raised questions about the role of the government in regulating students’ behavior and the limits of freedom of expression in Nigeria. As the country continues to grapple with economic and social challenges, the debate over Edobor’s case is likely to continue, with many Nigerians watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.
