Atiku criticises Tinubu, First Lady over continued captivity of Oyo pupils

Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, accusing them of insufficient urgency in securing the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State. Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress, stated that the Federal Government has failed to demonstrate adequate commitment to rescuing the victims.

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It is difficult to understand how a government that claims to care for its citizens could continue to project an atmosphere of celebration while innocent children and their teachers remain at the mercy of kidnappers.

In a statement released Friday, Abubakar, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, alleged that the government appears more preoccupied with political engagements than addressing the crisis. "It is difficult to understand how a government that claims to care for its citizens could continue to project an atmosphere of celebration while innocent children and their teachers remain at the mercy of kidnappers," the statement read, emphasizing that leadership requires empathy during citizen distress.

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Leadership is not merely about occupying office; it is about demonstrating empathy when citizens are in distress.

The former vice president specifically questioned the First Lady's role, suggesting Nigerians expected stronger public advocacy for the safe return of the abducted individuals. He argued that political activities and celebrations should not overshadow efforts to free the schoolchildren and teachers. "What kind of mother can comfortably sleep, dance, celebrate political victories, receive campaign groups, and distribute luxury vehicles while toddlers, schoolchildren, and their teachers remain in captivity?" Abubakar asked, contrasting this with the agony of the families awaiting their loved ones' return.

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What kind of mother can comfortably sleep, dance, celebrate political victories, receive campaign groups, and distribute luxury vehicles while toddlers, schoolchildren, and their teachers remain in captivity?

Abubakar pointed to the public frustration stemming from the juxtaposition of the affected families' suffering and the widespread images of political gatherings and celebrations. He noted that while parents endure weeks of anxiety, Nigerians are exposed to scenes of political events and the distribution of vehicles to allies. This, he argued, is particularly galling given the current economic hardship and worsening insecurity faced by many Nigerians, stating, "When children are missing, the nation expects urgency. When teachers are abducted, the nation expects compassion. What Nigerians do not expect is political pageantry."

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When children are missing, the nation expects urgency. When teachers are abducted, the nation expects compassion. What Nigerians do not expect is political pageantry.