Tinubu avoided Nigeria’s insecurity crisis in Independence Day speech – Atiku’s aide

The media spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Paul Ibe, has criticized President Bola Tinubu's Independence Day speech for its inadequate handling of Nigeria's escalating insecurity. In a post on X, Ibe noted that Tinubu's address only briefly touched on the issue of insecurity, thanking security forces without providing a comprehensive assessment of the killings, kidnappings, mass abductions, and attacks on communities.

He argued that the President avoided engaging with the crisis, failing to outline the government's plans to address the issue differently.

Ibe emphasized that the persistent insecurity has created an "uncomfortable subject" for the administration, making it difficult to discuss economic prosperity alongside the ongoing threats to farmers, businesses, travelers, and communities. He stressed that Nigerians deserve clear answers from Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief, regarding why the insecurity continues, what has gone wrong, the progress made, and the new measures that will be implemented.

Ibe reiterated that the government's responsibility is to protect lives and property, and that Nigeria cannot wish the crisis away or merely avoid discussing it. "Insecurity cannot be wished away. It must be confronted, accounted for and defeated," he concluded.