Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of attempting to shift responsibility for the country’s growing insecurity and economic hardship onto Nigerians and the media instead of addressing the underlying problems.
Atiku’s reaction followed comments by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who had alleged that sections of the Nigerian media were creating a misleading narrative that the nation was overwhelmed by insecurity.
Speaking during a television programme on Tuesday, Onanuga argued that media reports often amplify negative developments while failing to acknowledge government efforts and improvements in security across parts of the country.
However, Atiku, in a statement issued yesterday through his media office, rejected the claims, insisting that journalists and ordinary Nigerians were merely reflecting the realities they experience daily.
He maintained that citizens should not be blamed for speaking out about the challenges confronting them, noting that insecurity, rising living costs and economic difficulties remain major concerns across the country.
According to the former presidential candidate, it is the constitutional duty of government to guarantee the security and welfare of citizens, adding that attempts to dismiss public concerns, or portray them as exaggerations would not solve the problems.
Atiku urged the Tinubu administration to focus on developing practical solutions to insecurity rather than faulting media organisations for reporting incidents of violence, kidnappings and other criminal activities. He argued that a free press plays a critical role in a democratic society by holding leaders accountable and giving voice to the experiences of citizens, stressing that criticism should not be interpreted as hostility to government.
The former VP further called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward tackling insecurity, reviving the economy and restoring public confidence, saying Nigerians expect concrete actions rather than attempts to shift blame.
The exchange comes amid continued public debate over the state of security and the economy, with opposition figures and civil society groups urging the government to adopt more effective measures to address the country’s pressing challenges.
