Onanuga Slams Atiku Over Silence After Rescue of Abducted Oriire Pupils

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over what he described as the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate’s silence following the rescue of the abducted Oriire pupils and their teachers in Oyo State.

In a post on his X account on Saturday, Onanuga said that nearly 18 hours after the victims regained their freedom, Atiku had not congratulated the Federal Government, security agencies or the rescued pupils and teachers.

According to the presidential aide, Atiku had repeatedly criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over the abduction since it occurred 57 days ago but had remained silent after the successful rescue.

“Almost 18 hours after the Oriire pupils and their teachers regained their freedom, Atiku Abubakar has not deemed it fit to rejoice with the Tinubu Federal Government, the security agencies and the traumatised victims,” Onanuga wrote.

He added that Atiku had “weaponised the kidnap as a campaign issue” while the victims were in captivity but had made no public statement after their release.

“No comment. No words of praise. Maybe the veteran presidential runner is waiting for some bad news to attack the Tinubu administration,” Onanuga stated.

The presidential spokesman, however, commended the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for reacting to the development.

“Kudos to Peter Obi: at least he has spoken and called for thanksgiving without commending the commander-in-chief,” Onanuga wrote.

The comments followed the announcement by security agencies that the abducted pupils and teachers had been rescued after a coordinated operation. The victims regained their freedom after spending 57 days in captivity.