Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar
The Yoruba Ronu Group has condemned the latest comments by former Vice President and African Democratic Congress Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar over the successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State,
It described his remarks as another alleged desperate attempt to exploit a sensitive national security issue for partisan political advantage.
Reacting to Atiku’s criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the group’s Chairman, Prince Diran Iyantan, said it was unfortunate that a statesman of Atiku’s standing chose to downplay the heroic efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies simply to score cheap political points against the President.
He said, “Every patriotic Nigerian should be celebrating the safe rescue of these innocent children and commending our gallant Armed Forces and security agencies. Sadly, Atiku has once again demonstrated that his primary interest is not national unity or security but how to convert every national development into a political campaign.”
Iyantan noted that security operations are professional, intelligence-driven exercises that are not conducted for media optics or political theatre.
According to him, the responsibility of a Commander-in-Chief extends far beyond making public appearances after every operation, but ensuring that security institutions receive the support, intelligence, equipment and strategic direction required to succeed.
His words, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently strengthened the capacity of our armed forces, and the increasing successes being recorded against terrorists, kidnappers and criminal elements are clear evidence that his administration is making measurable progress.
“What Nigerians expect from opposition leaders is constructive support, not relentless cynicism whenever the country records security victories.”
The group further described Atiku’s attempt to link a successful rescue operation with APC’s political activities as irresponsible and misleading.
Iyantan said, “It is disturbing that while innocent Nigerians have regained their freedom, Atiku’s first instinct is not gratitude but political criticism. This is precisely the kind of divisive politics Nigerians have rejected. National security should never become a tool for opposition propaganda.”
Yoruba Ronu Group urged political leaders across party lines to rise above partisan interests and support the collective efforts of government and security agencies in confronting insecurity.
The group reaffirmed its confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and called on Nigerians to remain united behind the nation’s security institutions as they continue their determined fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
