Former Vice President and presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, over what he described as an insensitive public celebration at a time when many Nigerian families are grappling with kidnappings, insecurity and the disappearance of loved ones.
Reacting to a recent event where supporters reportedly hailed the First Lady as “the mother of the nation,” Atiku argued that genuine motherhood is demonstrated through empathy and solidarity with citizens facing hardship rather than public festivities while many Nigerians remain in captivity or are mourning loved ones.
The former Vice President’s remarks come against the backdrop of growing public concern over worsening insecurity across several parts of the country, including recurring cases of kidnappings, armed attacks and violent crimes affecting communities in both urban and rural areas. In recent weeks, several abduction incidents have generated national outrage, with families continuing to await the safe return of victims.
Atiku’s criticism has further fuelled debate over the response of political leaders to the country’s security challenges. Critics of the administration argue that government officials should demonstrate greater sensitivity to the plight of affected families, while supporters maintain that ongoing security efforts should be acknowledged despite persistent challenges.
The controversy reflects the growing political tensions surrounding the state of the nation, particularly as concerns over insecurity, economic hardship and governance continue to dominate public discourse ahead of future electoral contests. Nigerians across social and political divides have repeatedly called for stronger measures to address the country’s security crisis and ensure the protection of lives and property.
