Abuja, NIGERIA – Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has heavily criticized President Bola Tinubu over the worsening security situation in the country, dismissing the President’s recent assurances to citizens as “hollow rhetoric.”
In a statement released on Monday, April 6, 2026, the opposition leader urged the Commander-in-Chief to “fold your sleeves and get to work,” reminding the administration that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, alongside the promotion of citizen welfare.
Okay News understands that Atiku’s sharp rebuke was triggered by a recent wave of violence across multiple states. He specifically called out President Tinubu for failing to uphold his promise following the recent Angwan Rukuba attack. According to Atiku, barely 72 hours after the President assured Nigerians that such an incident “will not repeat itself,” another devastating attack in Benue State claimed over a dozen lives.
The former Vice-President also expressed deep concern over the escalating crisis in Nasarawa State, where entire communities and families have reportedly been forced to flee on foot amid looming threats of violence. Furthermore, Atiku pointed to a fresh attack that occurred in Kaduna State over the weekend as further proof that the government needs to urgently overhaul its security strategy.
Ending his statement on a somber note, Atiku extended his thoughts and prayers to the families mourning the loss of their loved ones in the recent killings. The strong criticism from the prominent politician comes just days after reports emerged that he had engaged a US-based lobbying firm to strengthen his reputational standing ahead of the 2027 elections.
