Group Faults Atiku for Criticising Tinubu Without Condemning Bandits
Oru Leonard
The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for what it described as a failure to openly condemn banditry, accusing him of focusing on political attacks against President Bola Tinubu instead of speaking out against perpetrators of insecurity.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, the group expressed concern over Atiku’s reaction to the death of former military spokesman, Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died while in bandits’ captivity.
According to the group, Atiku has consistently criticised the Federal Government over insecurity but has not been equally vocal in condemning the criminal elements responsible for violent attacks across the country.
TMSG argued that as a prominent political leader from Northern Nigeria and a recurring presidential contender, Atiku should take a leading role in denouncing banditry and supporting efforts aimed at tackling insecurity in the region.
The group specifically referenced the activities of a notorious bandit leader allegedly linked to the abduction of the late General Abubakar in Katsina State, insisting that political leaders should focus on confronting criminality rather than exploiting security challenges for political advantage.
It further alleged that Atiku’s comments on recent security incidents undermined ongoing military operations against terrorist and bandit groups across the country.
The group, however, commended the armed forces for recent successes in counter-insurgency operations, including the reported rescue of the late general’s wife during an offensive against criminal elements.
TMSG urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military and the Tinubu administration in efforts to restore peace and security, expressing confidence that ongoing operations would yield greater results in the fight against banditry and other security threats.
The group also called on political leaders across party lines to prioritise national security and lend their voices to condemning criminal activities regardless of ethnic or political considerations.
