•Atiku and Tinubu
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed deep concern over the handling of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Plateau State, describing it as a troubling indication of a growing disconnect from the suffering of Nigerians.
In a statement obtained by our correspondent yesterday, Atiku hinted that recent events in Plateau State have once again exposed what he described as an unacceptable approach to national tragedy, reports The Guardian.
He noted that it was both shocking and insensitive that, several days after the gruesome killings of innocent citizens, the president’s so-called “on-the-spot assessment” amounted to nothing more than a brief stop at the foot of his aircraft — never extending beyond the airport, or reaching the grieving communities.
He further expressed concern over the impression that the visit was hurriedly cut short to allow the president proceed to Lagos for the Easter holidays, a decision he said reflects questionable priorities in the face of national grief.
While families continue to mourn victims of the killings that occurred on Palm Sunday, Atiku alleged that the president turned what should have been a solemn condolence visit into a political engagement, meeting party loyalists in Jos under the guise of official duty. “This is not leadership; it is indifference presented as protocol,” he stated.
He also drew parallels with a previous visit to Benue State in June 2025, where a condolence trip following a deadly attack reportedly avoided the epicentre in Yelwata and instead evolved into a political gathering. He argued that the recurrence of such actions suggests a consistent pattern rather than isolated incidents.
In Plateau, Atiku observed that the president neither visited bereaved families nor those receiving treatment in hospitals. He added that there was no clear policy direction, no decisive security intervention, and no strong reassurance to prevent future occurrences.
Instead, the visit remained confined to the airport, involving interactions with politicians, traditional rulers, and party stakeholders — far removed from the realities faced by affected communities.
He further criticised the reported movement of grieving residents from parts of Jos to the airport in Heipang, near Barkin Ladi, describing it as an attempt to stage a managed appearance. According to him, such actions reduce genuine human tragedy to mere optics, prioritising image over empathy and dignity.
Atiku said the situation raises serious concerns about the administration’s commitment to addressing the worsening security challenges across the country. “A leader who cannot stand with his people in their darkest moments cannot convincingly claim to be fighting for their safety,” he said.
He reiterated that Nigerians are not asking for symbolic visits or public displays of sympathy, but for tangible action that guarantees the protection of lives and property.
According to him, citizens do not need to see the president, they need to feel the impact of effective leadership.
Atiku concluded that until the administration moves beyond optics and embraces decisive, people-centred policies, such visits will remain disconnected from the realities of the citizens they are meant to serve.
