Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his recent visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, alleging that the president failed to visit affected communities following the latest wave of killings.
In a statement issued on Thursday evening by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the visit as a “choreographed spectacle” that placed political optics above empathy for victims of the Palm Sunday attacks.
He expressed concern over what he called a recurring pattern of detachment from the realities faced by Nigerians, arguing that the president’s assessment of the situation lacked seriousness.
“It is both shocking and deeply insensitive that several days after the gruesome killings of innocent citizens, the President’s so-called ‘on-the-spot assessment’ was reduced to a brief stop at the foot of his aircraft, never extending beyond the airport, never reaching the grieving communities, and never touching the pain of the victims,” the statement read.
Atiku further alleged that the visit was “hurriedly curtailed” to allow the president travel to Lagos for the Easter holidays, describing it as a troubling prioritisation amid national grief.
He also criticised the handling of victims and survivors, claiming that rather than visiting hospitals or affected areas, authorities transported some victims to the airport to meet the president.
“Even more disturbing is the government’s decision to transport grieving citizens from distant parts of Jos Municipal to the airport in Heipang near Barkin Ladi, merely to stage an appearance before the President.
At a time when families are in deep mourning, such actions reduce genuine human tragedy to a choreographed spectacle—prioritising optics over empathy and dignity. This is not only inappropriate; it is shameful,” he declared.
The former vice president said the development reflects a broader pattern, referencing a similar visit to Benue State in June 2025, where he claimed the president avoided the epicentre of violence in Yelwata and the engagement turned into a political rally.
On the Plateau visit, Atiku noted that while the president met with politicians and traditional rulers at the airport, there was no clear policy direction or decisive security intervention announced.
“This is not leadership; it is indifference dressed as protocol. A leader who cannot stand with his people in their darkest hour cannot convincingly claim to be fighting for their safety,” he stated.
Atiku added that Nigerians are no longer interested in symbolic gestures but want concrete action to address insecurity.
“Nigerians are not asking for ceremonial appearances or fleeting sympathy visits. What they demand and deserve is a government that can secure lives and property. They do not need to see the President’s face; they need to feel the impact of his leadership.”
