Former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s escalating security crisis.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that Abubakar’s remarks, posted on his Facebook page on April 19, 2025, reflect a growing sentiment among political opposition leaders and security experts regarding the government’s perceived incompetence and lack of coherent strategies to address the nation’s pressing security challenges.
Abubakar highlighted the recent violence in the Logo and Gbagir communities of Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State, where innocent lives were lost. He condemned the Tinubu presidency for its apparent indifference to the suffering of Nigerians, stating that the administration has shown neither urgency nor empathy in the face of such tragedies. “The blood of innocent Nigerians continues to be spilled with appalling regularity,” he lamented.
Drawing comparisons to global leaders who have prioritized their citizens during crises, Abubakar cited examples of past presidents who returned home to address national tragedies. He referenced President Barack Obama’s return from a diplomatic visit after a deadly attack in the U.S. and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to abandon a state visit to manage an electricity crisis in South Africa. Abubakar emphasized that such leadership presence is crucial during moments of national trauma.
The former vice president criticized Tinubu for his perceived absence from critical issues, stating, “If he cannot act, the least he can do is show up.” He expressed disappointment that the president appears to be governing from abroad while the nation grapples with insecurity. “Nigeria is bleeding. Nigerians are dying. The president is nowhere to be found,” Abubakar asserted.
Otherwise, Abubakar also extended his condolences to the people and government of Benue State, reaffirming solidarity with those affected by the violence. He urged the Tinubu administration to acknowledge its shortcomings and to at least demonstrate a semblance of care for the safety and dignity of all Nigerians, regardless of their background. “An inept administration may not suddenly discover competence, but we will not stop calling it out,” he concluded.