Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | journalist at wengglobal
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over what he described as the former presidential candidate’s silence following the rescue of pupils and teachers who were reportedly abducted in Oyo State. In contrast, Onanuga commended Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for publicly acknowledging the rescue operation and commending security agencies for their efforts.
The remarks have sparked renewed political debate over how Nigeria’s leading opposition figures respond to major national security developments, particularly incidents involving schoolchildren and vulnerable communities.According to Onanuga, public officials and political leaders have a responsibility to recognise positive developments in the country’s security landscape, just as they often criticise government shortcomings.
He argued that acknowledging successful rescue operations demonstrates fairness and encourages security personnel who risk their lives to protect citizens.The controversy follows the reported rescue of pupils and teachers who had earlier been abducted in Oyo State, an incident that generated widespread concern across Nigeria.
The kidnapping highlighted the continuing security challenges facing schools and communities despite ongoing efforts by federal and state authorities to improve public safety.Security agencies reportedly coordinated operations that led to the victims’ rescue, bringing relief to families, education stakeholders and residents who had anxiously awaited positive news.Reacting to the development, Peter Obi publicly welcomed the successful rescue and praised the security agencies involved in the operation.
Obi also expressed concern about the broader security situation, stressing that every rescued victim represents hope while calling for sustained efforts to prevent future abductions.His response was widely circulated on social media, where supporters described it as a balanced reaction that recognised the achievement while maintaining focus on Nigeria’s long-term security challenges.Onanuga contrasted Obi’s reaction with what he described as Atiku Abubakar’s silence.
He suggested that political leaders should rise above partisan considerations by applauding actions that benefit Nigerians regardless of which administration is in power.According to the presidential aide, recognising successful security operations does not diminish the need for continued criticism where necessary. Rather, he argued that balanced commentary strengthens public confidence in democratic governance and national institutions.
The comments have generated mixed reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape. Supporters of the ruling administration have echoed Onanuga’s position, insisting that opposition leaders should acknowledge government achievements whenever they occur. They argue that doing so promotes national unity and encourages security agencies to remain committed to protecting lives and property.However, critics have maintained that political leaders are not obligated to respond publicly to every government action.
Some observers argue that silence on a particular issue should not automatically be interpreted as indifference, noting that public figures often prioritise different national issues based on their assessment of prevailing circumstances. Political analysts also point out that Nigeria’s security situation remains complex, with communities across several states continuing to face threats from kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes. As a result, they say many opposition figures continue to evaluate government performance based on broader security outcomes rather than isolated successes.
The rescue of the Oyo pupils nevertheless represents an important achievement for security agencies, particularly given the emotional and psychological impact that school abductions have had on families and educational institutions in recent years. Such incidents have disrupted learning, heightened fears among parents and prompted renewed calls for stronger protection of schools nationwide.Successive governments have introduced various security measures aimed at improving school safety, including enhanced collaboration between federal and state security agencies, intelligence gathering and community-based policing initiatives.
Despite these efforts, experts continue to advocate greater investment in intelligence, surveillance technology and rapid response capabilities to reduce the risk of future attacks.Beyond the political exchanges, many Nigerians have emphasised that the priority should remain the safety and welfare of citizens. Civil society organisations and education advocates have called on all political actors to support initiatives that strengthen national security rather than deepen partisan divisions.
Observers also note that security should remain a shared national responsibility requiring cooperation among government institutions, opposition parties, traditional rulers, community leaders and citizens.As political discussions continue over the rescue operation and subsequent reactions, the incident underscores the enduring importance of protecting schools and ensuring that every Nigerian child can pursue education without fear.
It also highlights the expectation that public leaders communicate responsibly during moments of national concern, balancing criticism with recognition of positive outcomes where appropriate. For many Nigerians, the successful rescue offers hope that continued improvements in intelligence coordination and security operations can help reduce kidnapping incidents while reinforcing public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.
Sources: Presidency of Nigeria, Punch Newspapers, Channels Television, Premium Times Nigeria, Vanguard News, TheCable.
