Group accuses Atiku of failing to condemn bandits while criticising Tinubu
The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of focusing on criticising President Bola Tinubu over insecurity while failing to openly condemn bandits and criminal elements responsible for attacks across Northern Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, the group expressed concern over what it described as Atiku’s reluctance to directly call out bandits despite frequently commenting on the country’s security challenges.
The group cited Atiku’s reaction to the death of former military spokesman, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), in bandits’ captivity, arguing that the former vice president criticised the Federal Government without condemning those responsible for the abduction.
According to TMSG, Atiku, as a former vice president and elder statesman from Northern Nigeria, should be at the forefront of efforts to denounce banditry and other violent crimes affecting communities in the region.
“We would be right to expect that as a father, leader and elder statesman from Northern Nigeria, which is currently bedevilled by insecurity, the former vice president should be seen to take the lead in calling out banditry, particularly the notorious bandit commander, Kachalla Muhammadu, who was responsible for the abduction of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in Katsina State,” the group said.
TMSG also alleged that Atiku adopted a similar approach during previous administrations, including those of former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, when he frequently criticised government responses to insecurity while pursuing political ambitions.
The group acknowledged that banditry and related security challenges predated the Tinubu administration but argued that the Federal Government and security agencies were making progress through ongoing military operations in affected areas. It cited the reported rescue of the late general’s wife during a military offensive as evidence of efforts by security forces to tackle criminal groups and restore peace in troubled communities.
The group urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military and the Tinubu administration in the fight against insecurity, while calling on political leaders to place national interest above partisan considerations.
