Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to abandon “hollow rhetoric” and take decisive action as violent attacks across multiple states continue unabated. The comments from Atiku, a leading opposition figure and presidential hopeful, highlight deepening public frustration with the federal government’s response to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
In a message posted on his official social media pages, Atiku reminded President Tinubu of assurances the president made after a deadly attack in the Angwan Rukuba district of Jos in Plateau State, where gunmen killed residents in a March attack. Tinubu had visited the community in early April and pledged that such violence would not recur. Atiku said it was telling that within about 72 hours of that promise, another violent incident occurred in Benue State, claiming more than a dozen lives.
“Atiku expressed concern that those words now appear hollow because, barely 72 hours later, another attack in Benue State claimed over a dozen lives,” he stated, underlining what he sees as a failure in leadership. He warned that families in a community in Nasarawa State were forced to flee their homes on foot amid threats of attacks, and he also cited fresh violence in Kaduna State over the preceding weekend. “The primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property and the promotion of the welfare of its citizens. Enough of these hollow rhetoric, Mr. President. It is time to fold your sleeves and get to work,” he wrote.
Atiku’s critique reflects growing unease over sustained waves of violence in central and northern Nigeria, which have included mass killings, kidnappings, and attacks on villages. The recent flashpoints have reignited concerns about the government’s capacity to protect citizens, particularly as the country edges closer to the 2027 election cycle.
The former vice president also extended condolences to the families affected by the attacks, acknowledging the human toll of ongoing insecurity. He stressed that the government’s foremost function must be to defend citizens from harm, a point that has resonated with many Nigerians who have expressed frustration over the persistence of violence despite government assurances.
Atiku’s message gained further traction when it was echoed by other opposition voices, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi, who similarly criticised the government’s assurances in the wake of continued killings. Both opposition figures have used social media platforms to amplify concerns about leadership and governance failures related to security, underlining a shared narrative of public disillusionment.
The president’s critics argue that promises and public expressions of condolence are insufficient without concrete results, particularly at a time when insecurity has tangibly affected daily life in numerous communities. Analysts suggest this rhetoric-versus-action debate could shape public opinion in the lead-up to future elections.
President Tinubu’s administration has acknowledged the security crisis and periodically highlighted ongoing military and police operations against criminal networks. Senior government figures have also noted the complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges, which span armed banditry, insurgency, and communal clashes across various regions. However, critics maintain that tangible improvements on the ground have been slow to materialise.
Public discourse on security has intensified in recent weeks, fueled by reports of attacks, social media commentary, and rising citizen anxieties. Civil society groups and advocacy organisations have called for more robust strategies, including improved intelligence gathering, stronger community policing frameworks, and increased transparency about government efforts to curb violence.
The debate has also raised broader questions about governance and accountability. Atiku’s pointed criticism taps into long-standing public expectations that political leaders must demonstrate measurable outcomes on core issues like security and public safety. Whether the president’s government will adjust its approach in response to such calls remains a central question in Nigeria’s national conversation.
As Nigeria continues to navigate economic pressures and societal tensions alongside security threats, the exchange between Atiku Abubakar and President Tinubu underscores the growing intersection of political contestation and governance performance. In a nation marked by complex security dynamics, public expectations for decisive leadership have never been more pronounced.
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