Onanuga criticises Atiku's silence over rescue of Oyo schoolchildren, praises Peter Obi

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has criticised the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, over his silence following the rescue of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and their teachers after 56 days in captivity.

In a statement on Saturday, Onanuga alleged that Atiku had repeatedly used the abduction as a campaign issue since the incident occurred, but had yet to publicly react to the successful rescue of the victims.

The presidential spokesman contrasted Atiku’s response with that of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, whom he commended for issuing a public statement welcoming the victims’ release and calling for national thanksgiving.

According to Onanuga, Atiku had not publicly acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government, security agencies or the safe return of the abductees nearly 18 hours after the rescue operation.

“Almost 18 hours after the Oriire pupils and their teachers regained their freedom, Atiku Abubakar has not deemed it fit to rejoice with the Tinubu Federal Government, the security agencies and the traumatised victims,” Onanuga said.

He further alleged that the former vice-president had previously “weaponised” the abduction for political purposes but had remained silent after the successful rescue.

Onanuga added that Peter Obi, despite not commending the President directly, had at least welcomed the development and called for thanksgiving.

“Kudos to Peter Obi: at least he has spoken and called for thanksgiving without commending the Commander-in-Chief,” he said.

Neither Atiku Abubakar nor the African Democratic Congress had publicly responded to Onanuga’s remarks at the time of filing this report.