Atiku's Camp Blasts Tinubu Over Jos Massacre Response and Limited Public Presence
The political team of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a scathing condemnation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of demonstrating a troubling lack of leadership in the aftermath of recent deadly attacks in Jos, Plateau State, and amid escalating security concerns nationwide.
Brief Jos Visit Sparks Outrage
Atiku's camp has labeled President Tinubu's response to the Jos massacre as "shockingly perfunctory" and dismissive of the tragedy's severity. The criticism centers on Tinubu's reported ten-minute stop at Jos Airport following a terrorist attack that claimed numerous lives.
Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, stated in an official release: "It is both troubling and unacceptable that, despite the devastating terrorist attack in Jos, the President spent barely ten minutes at the airport before departing. Such conduct raises serious questions about his commitment to the responsibilities entrusted to him by the Nigerian people."
Limited Engagement During Lagos Working Visit
The former Vice President's team has also criticized Tinubu's apparent absence from key public engagements during his recent working visit to Lagos State. According to the statement, the President's activities were largely confined to his private residence, with major events being delegated to other officials.
"Since his arrival in Lagos, the President has remained largely invisible in activities meant to validate the so-called working visit," the statement noted, highlighting that Tinubu delegated the commissioning of the Opebi–Mende–Ojota Link Bridge and the inauguration of the Multi-Agency Complex to the Senate President.
Calls for Urgent Governance Recalibration
Atiku's camp has warned that Nigeria faces worsening insecurity, increasing terrorist attacks, and growing international concern, pointing specifically to recent U.S. advisories regarding personnel safety in the country.
The statement emphasized: "Leadership is not a ceremonial privilege; it is a solemn duty. The office of the President demands presence, responsiveness, and an unwavering sense of responsibility—qualities that are evidently in short supply in the current administration."
The former Vice President's team has urged President Tinubu to urgently recalibrate his approach to governance, fully re-engage with the demands of his office, and demonstrate the seriousness required to confront Nigeria's daunting challenges. The statement concluded with a call for accountability and active leadership, warning that anything less would constitute a "grave disservice to the Nigerian people."
Previous Criticism of Government Actions
This latest condemnation follows previous criticism from Atiku's media office regarding threats made by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike against journalist Seun Okinbaloye. In that earlier statement, Atiku's team described such behavior as representing a "chilling signal of how far this government has descended into intolerance, lawlessness, and naked abuse of power."
The ongoing political tensions highlight deepening concerns about governance and security management in Nigeria, with opposition figures increasingly vocal about perceived leadership deficiencies at the highest levels of government.
