Atiku knocks Tinubu as Oyo pupils remain in captivity

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration, accusing it of lacking empathy and urgency in addressing the ongoing captivity of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State. The abduction, which occurred nearly three weeks ago from three schools in Esinele, Oriire Local Government, has raised significant concerns over the victims' safety and the efforts to secure their release.

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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, Abubakar, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, alleged that the Tinubu administration appeared more focused on political activities than on the plight of the abducted individuals and their families. He found it difficult to reconcile the government's public engagements and celebratory events with the anguish experienced by the relatives of the victims.

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

"Leadership is not merely about occupying office; it is about demonstrating empathy when citizens are in distress," Abubakar stated, questioning how a government could project an atmosphere of celebration while innocent children and their teachers are at the mercy of kidnappers. He specifically directed criticism at First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, suggesting that as the nation's foremost mother figure, her response to the crisis was inadequate.

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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 argued that public celebrations and political engagements by officials send the wrong message to families grappling with anxiety and uncertainty. He emphasized that a true mother would not celebrate while her children are missing or preside over political festivities while families are in agony. The former vice president noted that images of political gatherings circulating publicly have deepened public frustration among those directly affected by the abduction.

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A true mother does not celebrate while her children are missing. A true mother does not preside over political festivities while families are trapped in agony, praying daily for the safe return of their loved ones.