Former vice-president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has said that President Bola Tinubu should have addressed Nigerians after the release of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
Atiku said while the successful operation deserves commendation, the president missed an opportunity to demonstrate leadership by publicly briefing the nation on what transpired.
On Friday, the Nigerian Army said a month-long intelligence-led operation involving the military, intelligence agencies, the police and local security outfits led to the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire LGA of Oyo state in May.
The army said multiple arrests disrupted the kidnappers’ network and forced the group to release the victims unconditionally.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Phrank Shaibu, his senior special assistant on public communication, Atiku welcomed the operation and commended the military and other security agencies for the mission.
“The rescue of innocent schoolchildren from the hands of terrorists is a victory for our gallant troops and a source of hope for every Nigerian family. They deserve the gratitude of the nation,” he said.
Atiku said the military rose to the occasion, but the presidency failed to match the moment with visible leadership.
“Terrorism is unfortunately a global challenge. What distinguishes serious governments from indifferent ones is not whether attacks occur, but how political leaders respond when brave men and women in uniform deliver success against those who seek to terrorise their country,” he said.
“What Nigerians expected yesterday was to see a Commander-in-Chief leading from the front.”
“Following the successful rescue operation, the President ought to have immediately addressed the nation alongside his defence chiefs — not merely to announce the good news, but to brief Nigerians on the operation, acknowledge the bravery of the troops, highlight the lessons learned, reassure families that no effort would be spared to rescue those still in captivity, and send an unmistakable message to bandits and terrorists that the Nigerian state remains resolute.”
“Such moments are not ordinary press events; they are defining demonstrations of leadership that strengthen public confidence, boost military morale, and remind criminal elements that they are confronting a government that neither sleeps nor surrenders.”
Atiku said the responsibility for announcing the rescue was left to the president’s spokesman while Tinubu publicly engaged in political activities.
“The Commander-in-Chief is more than a constitutional title; it is a moral responsibility. In moments of national triumph and national grief, Nigerians expect to see their President embody that office,” he said.
“Leadership is not exercised only behind closed doors; it must also be seen, heard and felt by both the citizens and those who threaten them.”
The former vice-president said the successful operation should not overshadow the plight of other Nigerians still being held by kidnappers.
“One successful rescue must not become an excuse for self-congratulation. A nation cannot celebrate while other parents still go to bed not knowing whether their children are alive or dead,” he said.
“Our work is not done until every abducted Nigerian is safely reunited with his or her family.”
He urged the federal government to sustain pressure on terrorists, bandits and kidnappers until every abducted Nigerian is rescued.
“There is an old African proverb that says, ‘When the drum of danger beats, the village chief does not send a messenger to dance in his place,’” he added.
“Yesterday belonged to our brave soldiers, and they acquitted themselves with honour. But it should also have been the moment for the Commander-in-Chief to stand before the nation, salute their courage, comfort anxious families and send a chilling message to every bandit and terrorist that the Nigerian state will pursue them without rest until every captive is free.
“Leadership is not only measured by victories won on the battlefield, but by the courage displayed from the highest office in moments that define a nation.”