Atiku Blasts Tinubu Government Over Insecurity, Economic Hardship: “Nigeria Needs Solutions, Not Excuses”

Atiku Blasts Tinubu Government Over Insecurity, Economic Hardship: “Nigeria Needs Solutions, Not Excuses”

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of shifting responsibility for Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and economic hardship onto the media and ordinary citizens rather than addressing the root causes of the crises.

The former presidential candidate made the remarks while reacting to comments by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, who recently suggested that sections of the Nigerian media were exaggerating the country’s security challenges.

Atiku Condemns Presidency’s Remarks on Insecurity

Speaking on behalf of the presidency during an interview on Arise TV, Onanuga argued that media reports often create the impression that insecurity has engulfed the entire country.

According to him, many kidnapping and attack incidents occur at night despite repeated warnings from security agencies advising Nigerians against night travel.

His comments sparked widespread reactions, with critics accusing the government of attempting to blame citizens for security failures.

Responding through a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku questioned whether the presidency was indirectly admitting that Nigerians are only safe during limited hours of the day.

«“Is the presidency admitting that Nigerians can only be safe for a few hours of the day? Is this an official declaration that Africa’s largest economy has been reduced to an eight-hour economy where citizens must shut down their businesses and retreat indoors once the sun sets?” Atiku asked.»

“Government Must Protect Lives and Property” – Atiku

The former Vice-President stressed that the responsibility for ensuring citizens' safety lies squarely with government institutions and security agencies.

He argued that Nigerians should not be blamed for becoming victims of criminal attacks while carrying out legitimate activities.

“The primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property. Citizens do not surrender their freedoms in exchange for curfews imposed by fear,” he stated.

Atiku further noted that insecurity across Nigeria cannot be dismissed as media exaggeration because millions of citizens experience the effects daily.

Nigerians Face Real Security Threats, Says Atiku

Highlighting the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians, Atiku said traders, farmers, business owners, and families travelling across the country should not bear responsibility when criminals strike.

“A trader travelling from Kano to Lagos, a businessman returning from Abuja to Kaduna, a farmer transporting produce to market, or a family embarking on a legitimate journey should not be blamed when criminals attack them,” he said.

“The blame belongs squarely on those charged with securing the country.”

Atiku Warns Against Normalising Insecurity

The former presidential candidate warned that advising citizens to avoid travelling or conducting business at certain hours could have severe economic consequences.

According to him, no nation can achieve sustainable economic growth when people live in constant fear of criminal attacks.

“A nation cannot prosper when its people are told that safety ends at sunset. Economies grow because people can move freely, trade freely, and conduct lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Economic Hardship: Atiku Says Nigerians Are Suffering

Beyond security concerns, Atiku also accused the Tinubu administration of being disconnected from the realities faced by millions of Nigerians.

He pointed to rising food prices, persistent inflation, unemployment, and declining purchasing power as evidence of worsening economic hardship.

According to him, many Nigerian families are struggling to survive under current economic conditions.

“The father who goes to bed wondering how to provide the next meal for his family does not need a newspaper report to confirm hardship,” Atiku stated.

“Blaming Media Is Like Blaming a Thermometer for a Fever”

Atiku rejected attempts to fault journalists for reporting insecurity and economic difficulties, insisting that the media are merely reflecting realities already being experienced by citizens across the country.

In one of the strongest parts of his statement, he compared criticism of the media to blaming a thermometer for revealing illness.

«“Blaming journalists for reporting insecurity and hardship is like blaming a thermometer for a fever.”»

He added:

«“Nigeria does not need explanations for suffering. Nigeria needs solutions. Nigeria does not need lectures about perception. Nigeria needs results.”»

Growing Debate Over Security and Economy in Nigeria

Atiku’s latest remarks add to the growing political debate surrounding Nigeria’s security challenges and economic conditions under President Tinubu’s administration.

With concerns over kidnappings, banditry, inflation, unemployment, and rising living costs dominating national discourse, pressure continues to mount on the government to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.

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