Atiku Criticizes Government for Shifting Blame on Insecurity and Economic Hardship

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has sharply criticized the federal government’s response to the nation’s prevailing security and economic challenges. He accused the current administration of attempting to deflect responsibility by blaming citizens and the media for the worsening state of affairs.

Atiku’s critique follows recent comments from the Presidency suggesting that Nigerians contribute to their own vulnerability by ignoring warnings against night travel. In a statement released on Wednesday, he condemned this perspective, arguing that it effectively concedes that citizens are only safe during daylight hours.

“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 retreat indoors once the sun sets?” Atiku questioned. He emphasized that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of its citizens, and that public safety should not be conditional upon whether or not a person is traveling at night.

The former Vice President dismissed the notion that the current wave of violence and kidnapping is an exaggeration by the media. He pointed to frequent attacks across states like Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger as evidence of a systemic failure. He argued that the blame for these incidents lies squarely with those tasked with maintaining national security, rather than with traders, farmers, or families engaged in legitimate movement.

Furthermore, Atiku accused the administration of being detached from the economic struggles of everyday Nigerians. He noted that factors such as soaring inflation, high food prices, and unemployment have created a difficult reality for millions of families that does not require media reports to validate.

He also cautioned the government against attacking the media for highlighting these issues, comparing the act to “blaming a thermometer for a fever.” He urged the leadership to shift its focus from narrative management to delivering concrete results. “Nigeria does not need explanations for suffering,” Atiku stated. “Nigeria needs solutions.”