Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has said President Bola Tinubu should have personally addressed Nigerians after the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Saturday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku praised the military and other security agencies for securing the victims’ freedom but argued that the President missed an opportunity to demonstrate leadership.
The former vice president described the rescue as a major achievement and commended the courage and professionalism of the security personnel involved in the operation.
“The rescue of innocent schoolchildren from the hands of terrorists is a victory for our gallant troops and a source of hope for every Nigerian family. They deserve the gratitude of the nation,” Atiku said.
He, however, maintained that President Tinubu should have appeared alongside the nation’s security chiefs to brief Nigerians on the operation and reassure citizens of the government’s commitment to ending insecurity.
“What Nigerians expected was to see a Commander-in-Chief leading from the front. The President ought to have immediately addressed the nation alongside his defence chiefs,” he stated.
According to Atiku, such moments provide an opportunity to honour security personnel, reassure affected families and send a strong message to terrorists and kidnappers.
He also criticised the decision to leave the announcement of the successful operation to the President’s spokesman while the President attended political activities.
“The Commander-in-Chief is more than a constitutional title; it is a moral responsibility. In moments of national triumph and national grief, Nigerians expect to see their President embody that office,” he added.
Atiku further cautioned against celebrating one successful rescue while many Nigerians remain in captivity across different parts of the country.
“One successful rescue must not become an excuse for self-congratulation. Our work is not done until every abducted Nigerian is safely reunited with his or her family,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to sustain military operations against terrorists, kidnappers and bandits until every victim still in captivity is rescued.
Source: Statement by Atiku Abubakar’s media office.
