The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned Bola Ahmed Tinubu for not visiting the site of the Christmas Eve massacre in Plateau State, labeling it a “dereliction of duty” and a display of “grave insensitivity.”
In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the party expressed deep disappointment with the President’s absence following the devastating attacks on Bokkos and Barkin Ladi communities, which claimed dozens of lives and left many injured.
The PDP raised questions about the apparent lack of intelligence leading up to and during the 48-hour ordeal, suggesting potential complicity at high levels.
Ologunagba stated, “Nigerians are asking disturbing questions. Why did intelligence fail? Why did the attacks go on for so long? Are there officials who turned a blind eye to this tragedy?”
He further alluded to the comments of former military leader Sani Abacha, who famously warned about the possibility of government involvement in such unrestrained violence.
The PDP demanded immediate action from Tinubu, urging him to visit the affected communities and address the nation.
“He must visit the affected communities and address the nation,” Ologunagba insisted. “He must personally assure Nigerians that the perpetrators and their sponsors will be brought to justice.”
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The PDP also criticised the Tinubu’s reliance on aides and surrogates to convey condolences and offer assistance. “Sending proxies is not enough,” Ologunagba said. “Tinubu needs to show empathy and leadership by being present on the ground, offering comfort to the victims and demonstrating his commitment to their safety.”
Referring to President Joe Biden’s gesture in the George Floyd case, Ologunagba emphasised, “Of course, the whole world witnessed the video of President Joe Biden kneeling before the daughter of George Floyd to offer his condolences on behalf of the United States for the brutal murder of her father. Tinubu ought to have drawn a lesson from that.
He added, “The apparent lack of empathy and the tokenism of sending proxies to Plateau State is unacceptable and clear manifestation of insensitivity by a President who remains unconcerned and fiddles in the comfort, luxury and pleasure of the Presidential villa while his citizens are mercilessly being brutalized and massacred by terrorists. Tinubu must wake up from his slumber and be alive to his responsibility as President.
“The PDP also reiterates its call for an investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the Genocide; an international crime perpetuated on the peaceful, defenceless and innocent people of Plateau State on Christmas eve,” Ologunagba concluded.