The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for allegedly remaining silent following the rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement shared via his official social media page on Saturday, Onanuga questioned Atiku’s failure to publicly acknowledge the successful rescue, nearly 18 hours after the victims regained their freedom.
According to the presidential aide, the former vice president had repeatedly referenced the abduction in his criticisms of the Federal Government during the 57 days the victims spent in captivity but had yet to react after their release.
Onanuga suggested that Atiku’s silence contrasted sharply with his earlier comments on the incident while the victims remained in the custody of their abductors.
“Almost 18 hours after the Oriire pupils and their teachers regained their freedom, Atiku Abubakar has not deemed it fit to rejoice with the Tinubu Federal Government, the security agencies and the traumatised victims,” Onanuga wrote.
He further alleged that Atiku had consistently used the kidnapping as a political issue throughout the period the victims were held captive.
“Previously, he weaponised the kidnap as a campaign issue several times since it happened 57 days ago.
“Now that the abductees are out, all is quiet on Atiku’s internet lane. No comment. No words of praise.”
The presidential spokesman also insinuated that the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate might be waiting for another negative development before commenting on the administration’s handling of security issues.
Also Read: NAF airstrikes destroy terrorist hideout, neutralise insurgents in Borno
“Maybe the veteran presidential runner is waiting for some bad news to attack the Tinubu administration,” he added.
Onanuga Praises Peter Obi’s Response
While criticising Atiku, Onanuga commended the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, for reacting to the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
According to him, Obi called for thanksgiving following the successful rescue, even though he did not specifically commend President Tinubu or the security agencies involved in the operation.
“Kudos to Peter Obi: at least he has spoken and called for thanksgiving without commending the commander-in-chief,” Onanuga stated.
The rescue of the schoolchildren and their teachers, who spent 57 days in captivity, has attracted widespread public reactions, with many Nigerians applauding the security agencies for the successful operation.