Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, over what he described as a lack of empathy towards victims of the recent school abductions in Oyo State.
Atiku questioned the appropriateness of political celebrations and public events at a time when dozens of schoolchildren and teachers remain in captivity following their abduction by armed criminals.
His remarks come days after the First Lady inaugurated the Tinubu Torchbearers (TTB), a support group for President Bola Tinubu, at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja and presented vehicles to women leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in selected states.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku expressed concern over the optics of the activities, noting that they were conducted while affected families continued to endure uncertainty and emotional distress over the fate of their loved ones.
The former Vice President argued that the role of a national mother figure extends beyond ceremonial engagements and should reflect compassion during periods of national hardship.
According to him, the continued captivity of the abducted pupils and teachers demands greater national attention and sensitivity from political leaders.
“A mother’s foremost concern should be the welfare and safety of her children. It is difficult to reconcile public celebrations with the pain being experienced by families whose children remain in the hands of kidnappers,” Atiku stated.
He maintained that nearly three weeks after the abduction incident in Oyo State, many families remain traumatised while anxiously awaiting the safe return of the victims.
The ADC presidential candidate further accused the Federal Government of appearing more focused on political activities than addressing the urgent concerns surrounding the abduction and insecurity challenges confronting citizens.
Atiku stressed that leadership should be measured not only by policies and political engagements but also by the ability to demonstrate empathy and solidarity with citizens during difficult times.
He noted that while parents and relatives of the abducted victims continue to experience sleepless nights and emotional anguish, public attention has increasingly been drawn to political gatherings, celebrations, and activities involving government officials.
The former Vice President called on those in positions of authority to place greater emphasis on securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers while providing reassurance to affected families and communities.
He reiterated the need for government officials to remain sensitive to the concerns of citizens and to ensure that the plight of victims of insecurity remains a top national priority.
