TMSG Faults Atiku Over Silence On Banditry, Backs Tinubu’s Security Efforts
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Tinubu Media Support Group, TMSG has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of consistently failing to condemn bandits and other criminal elements responsible for insecurity in parts of the country, despite frequently criticising President Bola Tinubu’s handling of security challenges.
The group alleged that Atiku had often been quick to blame the Federal Government for incidents of insecurity but had refrained from openly condemning the perpetrators of such crimes, including those linked to the recent death of former military spokesman, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), in bandits’ captivity.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo at the weekend, the group questioned what it described as Atiku’s reluctance to call out bandits, particularly those operating in Northern Nigeria.
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According to the group, the former vice president, as a prominent political leader from the region and a former presidential candidate, ought to be at the forefront of efforts to denounce criminal activities and support initiatives aimed at tackling insecurity.
The statement said, “We would be right to expect that as a father, leader and elder statesman from Northern Nigeria, which is currently bedevilled by insecurity, the former Vice President should be seen to take the lead in calling out banditry, particularly the notorious bandit commander, Kachalla Muhammadu, who was responsible for the abduction of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in Katsina State.
“But alas, here he was lashing out at President Bola Tinubu over the death of the former military spokesman in captivity.”
The group further alleged that Atiku was seeking political gains from the prevailing security situation in the country, claiming that his criticisms of the Tinubu administration were aimed at portraying the government as incapable of addressing insecurity ahead of future elections.
TMSG also argued that insecurity in the North-West predates the current administration, noting that banditry evolved from conflicts between herders and farmers before becoming a major national security challenge.
The group, however, commended the military for ongoing operations against criminal elements and cited the rescue of the late general’s wife during a recent offensive as evidence of progress being made by security agencies.
While urging Nigerians to continue supporting the armed forces and the Tinubu administration in the fight against insecurity, the group expressed optimism that ongoing military operations would further degrade the activities of bandits and other criminal groups across the country.
