The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over what it described as his failure to openly condemn banditry and criminal activities in parts of the country, accusing him of using insecurity as a political tool against the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, the group said it was concerned that Atiku had consistently criticised the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity but had allegedly failed to directly call out the perpetrators of violent attacks.
The group’s reaction followed the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former military spokesman, who died while in the custody of bandits after being abducted in Katsina State.
TMSG argued that Atiku, as a former Vice President and northern elder statesman, should take a leading role in condemning banditry and supporting efforts to end the activities of criminal elements.
“We would be right to expect that as a father, leader and elder statesman from Northern Nigeria, which is currently bedevilled by insecurity, the former Vice President should be seen to take the lead in calling out banditry,” the group said.
The organisation accused Atiku of focusing more on criticising President Tinubu whenever security challenges occur rather than acknowledging the efforts of the security agencies.
TMSG recalled that similar criticisms were made during previous administrations, alleging that Atiku had positioned himself as having solutions to insecurity while seeking political advantage.
The group maintained that banditry in parts of the North began before the current administration and has evolved into a wider national security challenge, requiring collective action rather than political blame.
It also noted that ongoing military operations have recorded successes, including the rescue of the wife of the late retired general during an offensive against criminal groups.
The group urged Nigerians to continue supporting the armed forces and the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle insecurity, adding that the fight against banditry requires unity and sustained commitment.
