A fresh political exchange has followed the rescue of pupils and teachers in Oyo State. Bayo Onanuga has criticised Atiku Abubakar while commending Peter Obi for his response.
ABUJA, FCT — Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for not publicly reacting to the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State. In a statement, Onanuga contrasted Atiku’s silence with the response issued by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate.
According to Onanuga, the successful rescue operation deserved recognition from political leaders because it reflected the efforts of security agencies working to secure the victims’ release. He argued that public acknowledgment of such operations helps encourage security personnel and reassures Nigerians about ongoing efforts to address insecurity.
Onanuga also praised Obi for issuing a public statement following the rescue. According to him, Obi’s reaction showed concern for the victims and appreciation for the work of the security agencies. He criticised Atiku for not making a similar public statement as of the time of his remarks.
The rescue of the pupils and teachers in Oyo State drew national attention after security operatives secured their freedom following the abduction. The incident renewed public concern about school safety and insecurity, with political leaders, government officials and members of the public reacting to the development. As of the time of this report, Atiku Abubakar had not publicly responded to Onanuga’s criticism.
The development means the rescue operation has continued to generate political reactions beyond the security response itself. While the successful operation has been widely welcomed, the differing responses from political figures have added another dimension to public discussions on leadership, security and national unity. Extra News Nigeria will continue to monitor the story for further official reactions.
