Presidency Flays Atiku’s Silence Hours After Release of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

Nigeria's Presidency has sharply criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his silence following the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga expressed dismay that Abubakar had not congratulated the federal government or security agencies nearly 18 hours after the victims regained their freedom.

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Almost 18 hours after the Oriire pupils and their teachers regained their freedom, Atiku Abubakar @atiku has not deemed it fit to rejoice with the Tinubu Federal Government, the security agencies and the traumatised victims.

Onanuga accused Abubakar of "weaponizing the kidnap as a campaign issue" multiple times since the incident 57 days ago. He questioned Abubakar's lack of comment or praise after the successful rescue, suggesting the former Vice President might be waiting for negative news to attack the current administration. The spokesperson highlighted Abubakar's silence on his social media, contrasting it with his previous engagement on the matter.

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Previously, he weaponised the kidnap as a campaign issue several times since it happened 57 days ago. Now that the abductees are out, all is quiet on Atiku’s internet lane. No comment. No words of praise.

In contrast, the Presidency commended former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi for acknowledging the release. Onanuga noted that Obi had spoken out and called for thanksgiving, although he did not explicitly praise the commander-in-chief. The Presidency's statement underscores a political dynamic where actions and reactions to security incidents are closely scrutinized and used for political commentary.

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Kudos to Peter Obi: at least he has spoken and called for thanksgiving without commending the commander-in-chief.