By Tunde Omolehin
A northern advocacy group, Northern Nigerians Peace, say it has uncovered a coordinated campaign of calumny against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Usman Aboki, the group accused some politicians particularly Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, and his allies of exploiting the security crisis for political gain. It said such conduct amounts to celebrating the misfortune of innocent citizens because of political differences.
According to the group, certain political actors have resorted to issuing negative statements and sponsoring media attacks aimed at discrediting the President’s efforts to tackle insecurity in the Northwest.
It described recent comments from the Zamfara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as undignified and lacking decorum, especially regarding their criticism of Tinubu’s directive ordering the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi to coordinate rescue operations.
“Turning personal hatred into a national security issue is irresponsible and unreasonable. Some individuals have become desperate to blackmail the President over his swift actions to secure the release of these innocent children.” The statement read.
The group also faulted criticisms surrounding Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent visit to Kebbi State, saying those attacking the visit were part of a broader plot to project a negative image of the country for political advantage.
Describing the rising wave of kidnappings as the handiwork of enemies of Nigeria, the group warned that insecurity affects the entire nation and should not be trivialized or politicized.
The group commended President Tinubu for his prompt response to the abduction of students and staff of Government Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.
It also applauded the directive for Matawalle to remain in Kebbi for effective coordination of the rescue mission. “We fully support the steps taken by the Presidency to ensure these girls are returned safely,” it further stated.
