Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the Federal Government’s handling of the June 12 Democracy Day celebration, arguing that the occasion should have centered on victims of insecurity rather than government achievements.
Speaking in an interview on Trust TV News, Shaibu said many Nigerian families affected by kidnappings and insecurity were expecting national leaders to show greater empathy and public acknowledgment of their suffering.
He expressed disappointment that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had not publicly addressed recent abductions of schoolchildren in parts of Oyo and Borno States, including children in early learning centres. According to him, many affected families have been left without visible reassurance or sympathy from top government figures.
“Many families have spent weeks grieving, praying and hoping for the safe return of their loved ones, yet there has been no public statement of empathy from the First Lady,” he said.
Shaibu compared the current response to that of former First Lady Patience Jonathan, recalling her widely circulated remark, “There is God o,” which he said resonated with citizens because it reflected emotional connection during a national crisis.
He also criticized the distribution of vehicles at the Presidential Villa during the Democracy Day period, describing it as insensitive given the ongoing suffering of families affected by insecurity.
According to him, June 12 should not be measured by statistics, achievements, or national honours, but should instead serve as a day of solidarity with victims of insecurity.
“If Atiku Abubakar were president, he would have marked the day by visiting affected families in states such as Oyo, Borno and Yobe,” Shaibu added, emphasizing that leadership during crises should prioritize empathy and direct engagement with citizens.
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