Atiku criticises Bola Tinubu over Plateau visit, calling it insensitive...

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his recent visit to Plateau State, describing it as insensitive and detached from the suffering of affected communities.

In a statement issued by his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku expressed concern over what he called a pattern in the President’s response to national tragedies.

According to the statement, Tinubu’s “on-the-spot assessment” of the situation in Plateau did not go beyond the airport, as he allegedly did not visit affected communities or meet directly with victims.

“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.

CBI News reports that Atiku also questioned the timing of the visit, suggesting it was cut short to allow the President proceed to Lagos for the Easter holidays.

“Even more troubling is the impression that this fleeting visit was hurriedly curtailed to allow the President proceed to Lagos for the Easter holidays, a decision that reflects a deeply troubling prioritisation in the face of national grief,” he said.

He further alleged that the visit was turned into a political engagement, with the President meeting party loyalists instead of focusing on victims.

“This is not leadership; it is indifference dressed as protocol,” the statement added.

Drawing parallels with a previous visit to Benue State in 2025, Atiku claimed a similar pattern was observed, where the President allegedly avoided affected communities.

In Plateau, he said, the President did not visit bereaved families or injured victims in hospitals, nor did he provide clear policy direction or security measures to address the crisis.

“Instead, he staged a meet-and-greet within the confines of the airport, surrounded by politicians, traditional rulers, and party operatives far removed from the anguish of the people,” the statement said.

Atiku also criticised the reported movement of residents to the airport for the visit, describing it as an attempt to create a “choreographed spectacle.”

“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 stated.

He argued that such actions raise questions about the administration’s commitment to addressing insecurity.

“A leader who cannot stand with his people in their darkest hour cannot convincingly claim to be fighting for their safety,” the statement noted.

Atiku stressed that Nigerians are more interested in tangible security outcomes than symbolic visits.

“They do not need to see the President’s face; they need to feel the impact of his leadership,” he said.