Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized President Bola Tinubu. This criticism followed the recent release of 24 Kebbi female students. Security operatives facilitated their freedom. Atiku raised questions about the government’s approach to national security.
Paul Ibe, Atiku’s media aide, issued a statement. In it, Atiku queried the failure to apprehend or neutralize the abductors. This was despite reports. Security agencies had reportedly established contact with the kidnappers. This contact led to the schoolgirls’ release.
Queries Regarding Security Agency Actions
The statement was titled “Atiku to Tinubu: Nigerians Need Protection, Not Fairy Tales By Moonlight.” It addressed remarks by Bayo Onanuga. Onanuga serves as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu. He made these comments on Arise News TV.
Atiku termed Onanuga’s comments “a shameful attempt.” He suggested they sought to downplay a national tragedy. They also aimed to portray government shortcomings as heroic.
“The release of kidnapped citizens is not a triumph,” the statement declared. “It confirms that terrorists operate freely. They negotiate openly. They dictate conditions. This administration only issues press releases to save face.”
He posed a direct question. “If the DSS and military tracked the kidnappers in real time, and made contact, why were these criminals not apprehended or neutralized instantly?” He also questioned: “Why does the government boast about talking to terrorists instead of eliminating them?”
Government’s Response Under Scrutiny
The former Vice President contended that the current government allows terrorists and bandits to thrive. They act as an alternative authority. They negotiate and collect ransoms. Yet, they remain unchallenged.
He asserted, “No serious nation commends itself for negotiating with terrorists.” “Especially when those terrorists are supposedly under surveillance.”
He further denounced the administration. They tried to frame incompetence as achievement. He warned that if security agencies tracked the kidnappers, their escape indicates “a national disgrace.” This also suggests complicity.
Conversely, if no tracking occurred, Onanuga is “simply fabricating falsehoods.” These lies would conceal “a monumental failure of leadership.”
Atiku concluded his statement. Nigerians deserve genuine protection. They do not need “fairy tales by moonlight.”
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