Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his recent visit to Jos, Plateau State, alleging that the president did not visit communities affected by the recent killings but remained at the airport.In a statement issued Thursday evening by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the visit as a “choreographed spectacle,” accusing the presidency of prioritising political optics over empathy for victims of the Palm Sunday attacks.The former vice president expressed concern over what he called a recurring pattern of detachment from the realities confronting Nigerians, arguing that the president’s assessment of the situation lacked depth and sensitivity.“It is both shocking and deeply insensitive that several days after the gruesome killings of innocent citizens, the President’s so-called ‘on-the-spot assessment’ was reduced to a brief stop at the foot of his aircraft, never extending beyond the airport, never reaching the grieving communities, and never touching the pain of the victims,” the statement read.Atiku further alleged that the visit was cut short to enable the president travel to Lagos for the Easter holidays, describing the decision as a troubling prioritisation amid national mourning.He also faulted the handling of victims and bereaved families, claiming that instead of visiting hospitals or affected communities, authorities transported victims to the airport to meet the president.“Even more disturbing is the government’s decision to transport grieving citizens from distant parts of Jos Municipal to the airport in Heipang near Barkin Ladi, merely to stage an appearance before the President.“At a time when families are in deep mourning, such actions reduce genuine human tragedy to a choreographed spectacle—prioritising optics over empathy and dignity. This is not only inappropriate; it is shameful,” he said.Drawing comparisons with a previous visit to Benue State in June 2025, Atiku alleged a similar pattern, claiming the president avoided visiting Yelwata, the epicentre of the violence, with the engagement instead taking on the tone of a political rally.On the Plateau visit, he noted that while the president met with political leaders and traditional rulers at the airport, there was no clear policy direction or decisive security measures announced to prevent further attacks.“This is not leadership; it is indifference dressed as protocol. A leader who cannot stand with his people in their darkest hour cannot convincingly claim to be fighting for their safety,” he stated.Atiku maintained that Nigerians are increasingly frustrated with symbolic gestures and are demanding concrete action to address insecurity.“Nigerians are not asking for ceremonial appearances or fleeting sympathy visits. What they demand and deserve is a government that can secure lives and property. They do not need to see the President’s face; they need to feel the impact of his leadership,” he added.
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