The Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his comments condemning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the state, describing the remarks as “politically motivated” and “uninformed.”
In a statement issued on Monday in Jos by the party’s Acting Publicity Secretary, Shittu Bamaiyi, the APC said Atiku lacked the locus standi to speak on behalf of the people of Plateau State, stressing that his comments were intended to score cheap political points.
“By all standards and definitions, Alhaji Atiku belongs to the class of the nation’s statesmen, in addition to the fact that he possesses the qualities of an infamous opposition leader in Nigeria’s political landscape. From the content of his statement and disposition, in the context of insurgency on the Plateau, it would not be out of place to say that Alhaji Atiku spoke in bad faith and also from an uninformed position,” the statement read in part.
President Tinubu had visited Jos over the weekend to attend the funeral service of Mama Lydia, held at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) headquarters. During the service, the President urged Nigerians to promote unity, peace, and religious tolerance, calling on residents to “shun religious and ethnic differences” and live harmoniously.
However, Atiku, in a statement released on Saturday, faulted the President’s visit, describing it as “a sad reflection of priorities and a mockery of leadership.” He alleged that Tinubu’s presence at the event, “under the auspices of his party’s national chairman,” showed insensitivity to victims of ongoing violence in Plateau and other parts of the country.
Atiku argued that Tinubu should have instead visited communities affected by the persistent killings and displacements to commiserate with victims.
But the Plateau APC dismissed the former Vice-President’s remarks, insisting that the President has consistently supported security efforts across the state. The party noted that Atiku’s comments ignored the constitutional role of state governors in maintaining internal security.
“It is unfortunate that instead of appreciating the President’s consistent commitment to restoring peace, Atiku chose to make political capital out of a solemn occasion,” the statement added.
The APC urged politicians to refrain from politicizing national tragedies and called on Nigerians to unite in supporting ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace in Plateau State and across the country.
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