Atiku hails Oyo school rescue, faults Tinubu for leaving announcement to spokesman
By Ishaya Ibrahim
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has faulted President Bola Tinubu for not addressing Nigerians following the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire LGA, Oyo State.
Atiku said while the operation deserved commendation, the President missed an opportunity to show leadership by personally briefing the nation on the rescue.
The criticism comes after the Presidency earlier called out Atiku for his silence 18 hours after the victims regained freedom. Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga had said Atiku, who repeatedly attacked the federal government while the victims were in captivity, failed to acknowledge the rescue.
On Friday, the Nigerian Army said a month-long intelligence-led operation involving the military, intelligence agencies, the police and local security outfits led to the release of the victims abducted in May. The army said multiple arrests disrupted the kidnappers’ network and forced the group to free the victims unconditionally.
In a statement on Saturday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku welcomed the operation and praised the military and other security agencies.
“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,” he said.
But Atiku argued that the Presidency failed to match the military’s success with visible leadership.
“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,” he said.
“What Nigerians expected was to see a Commander-in-Chief leading from the front. Following the successful rescue operation, the President ought to have immediately addressed the nation alongside his defence chiefs — not merely to announce the good news, but to brief Nigerians on the operation, acknowledge the bravery of the troops, highlight lessons learned, reassure families that no effort would be spared to rescue those still in captivity, and send an unmistakable message to bandits and terrorists that the Nigerian state remains resolute.”
Atiku noted that the responsibility for announcing the rescue was left to the President’s spokesman while Tinubu engaged in 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 said.
“Leadership is not exercised only behind closed doors; it must also be seen, heard and felt by both the citizens and those who threaten them.”
The former vice president warned that the successful operation should not overshadow the plight of other Nigerians still in captivity.
“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,” Atiku said.
“Our work is not done until every abducted Nigerian is safely reunited with his or her family.”
He urged the federal government to sustain pressure on terrorists, bandits and kidnappers until all captives are freed.
“There is an old African proverb that says, ‘When the drum of danger beats, the village chief does not send a messenger to dance in his place,’” he added.
“Yesterday belonged to our brave soldiers, and they acquitted themselves with honour. But it should also have been the moment for the Commander-in-Chief to stand before the nation, salute their courage, comfort anxious families and send a chilling message to every bandit and terrorist that the Nigerian state will pursue them without rest.
“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.”
