As Nigeria continues to battle escalating insecurity, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has intensified his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the crisis, accusing him of failing to effectively address the country’s growing security challenges. In a strongly worded statement posted on Saturday night on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku slammed Tinubu for what he described as a “disturbing indifference” to the suffering of Nigerians, especially in light of the recent deadly attacks in Benue State.
The remarks come after violent attacks on the Logo and Gbagir communities in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, which left dozens dead and many more injured. The killings have once again highlighted the security challenges in the country, particularly in the Middle Belt region, where violence between farmers and herders, as well as banditry, continues to escalate.
Benue State, which has long been a hotspot for violent clashes, witnessed fresh attacks in recent days. The assailants targeted the communities of Logo and Gbagir, killing a number of people and sparking outrage across the country. The state, which has experienced years of conflict between herders and farmers, as well as criminal activities by armed bandits, has become a symbol of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Atiku accused President Tinubu of failing to take immediate and decisive action. The former vice president also pointed out that while Nigerians were mourning and demanding urgent intervention, the president was absent, as he was reportedly abroad during the crisis.
Atiku did not hold back in his criticism of Tinubu’s leadership. He described the current administration as “utterly incapable” and “wholly incompetent” when it comes to addressing Nigeria’s security issues. According to Atiku, the administration has shown no clear strategy or concrete ideas to tackle the worsening security situation.
“The Tinubu administration has proven, time and again, to be utterly incapable, wholly incompetent, and completely devoid of any coherent ideas for tackling Nigeria’s deepening security crisis,” Atiku said in his statement.
He also highlighted that this view was not his alone, claiming that a “growing consensus” among opposition leaders, security experts, and even some members of the ruling party shared similar concerns about the government’s inability to address the nation’s security woes.
Drawing comparisons with global leaders, Atiku pointed out that leadership is not just about taking action, but also about being present during moments of national crisis. He referenced U.S. President Barack Obama, who cut short a diplomatic trip after a mass shooting in the United States, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who returned home during an electricity crisis. Atiku also cited the example of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who returned to Nigeria in 2014 following a deadly bomb blast in Abuja.
“At moments of national trauma, the least a leader can do is show up. The minimum expectation is that the president should be present to lead and offer support to the people,” Atiku said.
Yet, he noted, President Tinubu has not only been absent during Nigeria’s darkest hours but has also continued his travels abroad, “governing Nigeria in absentia as if from a holiday perch.”
The worsening insecurity in Nigeria has left many citizens frustrated and in despair. Communities in the Middle Belt, particularly Benue State, have borne the brunt of violent attacks, with many innocent lives lost in the ongoing conflicts. However, despite the growing anger and demand for action, the presidency has not offered a detailed public response to the recent killings in Benue by the time of writing.
Atiku condemned the president’s absence and his failure to empathize with the victims of these attacks. “If Tinubu cannot act, the least he can do is show up. If he cannot lead with empathy, he should at least attempt the performance of it,” he wrote. “Nigeria is bleeding. Nigerians are dying. The president is nowhere to be found.”
Atiku also expressed his condolences to the families and the government of Benue State, offering solidarity in this difficult time. He reiterated his commitment to holding the current administration accountable for its actions and inactions.
“An inept administration may not suddenly discover competence, but we will not stop calling it out,” he said. “If Tinubu cannot deliver safety and dignity to Nigerians, the very least he can do is pretend to care – regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.”
This statement is the latest in a series of criticisms from Atiku, who ran as the presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections. Atiku lost to Tinubu, but has continued to vocalize his opposition to the president’s handling of national issues, particularly security.
As the security situation in Nigeria continues to deteriorate, Nigerians are increasingly frustrated with the lack of decisive leadership from the current administration. The people of Benue State, in particular, are calling for urgent action to stop the killings and bring an end to the violence that has ravaged their communities for years.
Atiku’s criticism highlights the growing concerns over Nigeria’s leadership and the effectiveness of the government in providing safety and security for its citizens. The question remains whether the Tinubu administration will respond to the growing calls for action and implement meaningful reforms to address the country’s security challenges.
