Atiku Faults Tinubu for Not Addressing Nigerians After Oyo Schoolchildren Rescue

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu for failing to personally address Nigerians following the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku welcomed the rescue operation but said the President missed an opportunity to demonstrate visible leadership at a critical moment.

The former vice president acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian military, intelligence agencies, police, and local security networks involved in the month-long intelligence-led operation that secured the release of the victims abducted in May.

The operation, according to the Nigerian Army, led to the disruption of the kidnappers’ network, the arrest of several suspects, and the eventual release of the pupils and teachers without conditions.

While commending the security forces for their bravery, Atiku said the success of the operation deserved a stronger response from the Presidency.

“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 argued that beyond the military achievement, Nigerians expected the President, as Commander-in-Chief, to address the nation, appreciate the troops, reassure affected families, and send a firm message to criminal elements.

“Terrorism is unfortunately a global challenge. What distinguishes serious governments from indifferent ones is not whether attacks occur, but how political leaders respond when brave men and women in uniform deliver success against those who seek to terrorise their country,” he stated.

Atiku said a presidential address would have provided an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of security personnel, highlight lessons from the incident, assure families of other abducted Nigerians, and reinforce public confidence.

“Such moments are not ordinary press events; they are defining demonstrations of leadership that strengthen public confidence, boost military morale, and remind criminal elements that they are confronting a government that neither sleeps nor surrenders,” he added.

He criticised the decision to leave the announcement of the rescue to the President’s spokesperson while Tinubu continued with other engagements, describing leadership as a responsibility that must be visible during moments of national importance.

“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,” Atiku said.

The former presidential candidate warned that the successful rescue should not lead to complacency, stressing that many Nigerians remain in captivity and require urgent attention.

“One successful rescue must not become an excuse for self-congratulation. A nation cannot celebrate while other parents still go to bed not knowing whether their children are alive or dead,” he said.

Atiku urged the federal government to sustain efforts against terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers until all abducted Nigerians are reunited with their families.

Quoting an African proverb, he said, “When the drum of danger beats, the village chief does not send a messenger to dance in his place.”

He added that while the rescued operation belonged to the gallant security personnel who carried it out, the moment also required the President to acknowledge their courage and assure Nigerians that the government would continue the fight against insecurity.

“Leadership is not only measured by victories won on the battlefield, but by the courage displayed from the highest office in moments that define a nation,” Atiku said.

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