Atiku criticises Tinubu’s Plateau visit, calls It ‘Disconnected from Victims’ Pain
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his recent visit to Plateau State, describing it as inadequate and detached from the realities faced by victims of the recent killings.
In a statement on Thursday, Atiku expressed concern over what he termed a troubling response to national tragedy, alleging that the President’s visit amounted to little more than a brief appearance at the airport without reaching affected communities.
He said it was “shocking and insensitive” that days after the deadly attacks in Jos, the President’s “on-the-spot assessment” did not extend beyond the airport or include direct engagement with grieving families.
Atiku also questioned the timing of the visit, suggesting it may have been shortened to allow the President proceed to Lagos for the Easter holidays, a move he said reflects misplaced priorities amid national mourning.
According to him, what should have been a solemn condolence visit instead appeared to take on a political tone, with interactions involving party loyalists and stakeholders rather than victims.
“This is not leadership; it is indifference presented as protocol,” Atiku said.
He further drew comparisons with a previous visit to Benue State in 2025, where he claimed a similar pattern occurred, arguing that the recurrence points to a consistent approach rather than isolated incidents.
Atiku noted that during the Plateau visit, there were no reported visits to hospitals or bereaved families, nor any clear policy direction or strong security measures announced to prevent future attacks.
Instead, he said, the engagement remained largely at the airport, involving political figures and traditional rulers, which he argued was far removed from the realities on the ground.
The former vice president also criticised reports that some residents were moved to the airport area to receive the President, describing it as an attempt to stage-manage the visit.
He warned that such actions reduce genuine human suffering to mere optics, placing image above empathy.
“A leader who cannot stand with his people in their darkest moments cannot convincingly claim to be fighting for their safety,” he added.
Atiku maintained that Nigerians are not seeking symbolic gestures but concrete actions that ensure the protection of lives and property, stressing that effective leadership should be felt through impact rather than appearances.
