April 2, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his recent visit to Plateau State, describing it as a display of insensitivity to victims of recent violent attacks.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku expressed concern that the President’s “on-the-spot assessment” reportedly did not go beyond the airport.
According to him, Tinubu failed to visit affected communities, meet grieving families, or see injured victims in hospitals, instead making what he described as a brief and symbolic appearance before departing.
“It is both shocking and deeply insensitive that several days after the gruesome killings, the President’s visit never extended beyond the airport,” the statement read.
Atiku further alleged that the visit appeared hurried, suggesting it may have been cut short to allow the President travel to Lagos for the Easter holidays. He argued that such actions reflect misplaced priorities in the face of national tragedy.
The former Vice President also accused the administration of politicising the visit, claiming that engagements during the trip were centred around party loyalists rather than victims of the violence.
He drew comparisons to a previous incident in Benue State in 2025, alleging a similar pattern where official visits avoided the epicentre of attacks.
Atiku additionally condemned reports that residents were transported to the airport area to استقبال the President, describing the move as a “choreographed spectacle” that undermines the dignity of grieving citizens.
He stressed that Nigerians are not in need of symbolic gestures but expect concrete actions to address insecurity and protect lives and property.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that the criticism adds to growing political tension over the federal government’s handling of security challenges, particularly in violence-prone regions like Plateau State.
