Atiku’s spokesman, Phrank Shuaibu, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he described as a lack of visible leadership in the face of worsening insecurity across Nigeria.
Shuaibu conveyed the concerns in a statement issued on Thursday, accusing the president of exhibiting what he termed “absentee leadership.”
He said it was troubling that despite embarking on a two-day working visit to Lagos, Tinubu had failed to make significant public appearances at key state functions scheduled during the trip.
He also referenced the president’s recent visit to Plateau State, describing it as “brief and perfunctory” following a deadly attack, noting that Tinubu reportedly spent only a short time at the Jos Airport before departing.
According to the statement, the justification that the president left Plateau for official duties in Lagos has now been undermined by his limited visibility since arriving in the state.
While acknowledging Tinubu’s attendance at the commissioning of the Iperu Airport in Ogun State, Shaibu argued that the event appeared more political than official.
He further noted that the president delegated other major engagements, including the inauguration of the Opebi–Mende–Ojota Link Bridge and a multi-agency complex, to the Senate president.
“At a time when Nigeria is battling escalating insecurity, terrorist attacks, and growing international concern, such perceived detachment from governance is alarming,” the statement said.
Shaibu warned that a pattern of limited public engagement—from the Plateau visit to the Lagos trip—suggests a presidency that appears disengaged from pressing national challenges.
He urged the president to “recalibrate his approach to governance” and demonstrate greater responsiveness and commitment to addressing the country’s security situation.
The criticism comes amid Tinubu’s ongoing visit to Lagos and follows a recent attack on a military base in Borno State, confirmed by the Defence Headquarters.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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