Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, accused the Federal Government of failing to demonstrate sufficient urgency in securing the release of the victims.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president said the government appeared more focused on political activities than addressing the plight of the abducted pupils and their teachers.
“It is difficult to understand how a government that claims to care for its citizens could continue to project an atmosphere of celebration while innocent children and their teachers remain at the mercy of kidnappers.
“Leadership is not merely about occupying office; it is about demonstrating empathy when citizens are in distress,” the statement read.
Atiku also criticised the First Lady, saying Nigerians expected stronger public advocacy for the safe return of the victims.
He argued that political activities and celebrations should not take precedence over efforts to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
“What kind of mother can comfortably sleep, dance, celebrate political victories, receive campaign groups, and distribute luxury vehicles while toddlers, schoolchildren, and their teachers remain in captivity?
“A true mother does not celebrate while her children are missing. A true mother does not preside over political festivities while families are trapped in agony, praying daily for the safe return of their loved ones.
“A true mother would use every platform available to keep the plight of those children at the forefront of national consciousness until they are safely reunited with their families,” Atiku said.
Atiku said the contrast between the suffering of affected families and images of political gatherings and celebrations circulating in the public space had deepened public frustration.
He argued that while parents of the abducted pupils have endured weeks of anxiety and uncertainty, Nigerians have been confronted with scenes of political events, campaign-style activities and the distribution of vehicles to political allies.
He also chided what he described as extravagant displays of power by public officials at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship and worsening insecurity.
“When children are missing, the nation expects urgency. When teachers are abducted, the nation expects compassion. What Nigerians do not expect is political pageantry.
“They do not expect campaign songs. They do not expect celebrations. They certainly do not expect luxury gifts being handed out to political loyalists while families are living through one of the darkest moments of their lives,” he added.
The former vice president warned that the growing frequency of kidnappings across the country could erode public confidence in government if not decisively addressed.
He called on the Federal Government to deploy all available security and intelligence resources to secure the release of the victims and bring those responsible to justice.
The pupils and teachers were abducted in Oyo State nearly three weeks ago, sparking concerns over their safety and renewed calls for improved security across the country.