Group Cautions Atiku For Allegedly Politicising National Security For Selfish Political Gains

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A socio-political group in South-West, Yoruba Ronu Group, cautions Vice President Atiku Abubakar to desist from allegedly politicising security matters for selfish political gains.

The group, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Prince Diran Iyantan, made available to journalists on Sunday, condemned the latest comments credited to the former Vice President on the successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.

Condemning Atiku’s remarks on the rescue, Yoruba Ronu described the remarks as a desperate attempt to exploit a sensitive national security issue for partisan political advantage.

In his reaction to Atiku’s criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chairman of the Yoruba Ronu Group, Iyantan, said it was unfortunate that a statesman of Atiku’s standing chose to downplay the heroic efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies simply to score cheap political points against the President.

He said: “Every patriotic Nigerian should be celebrating the safe rescue of these innocent children and commending our gallant Armed Forces and security agencies.

“Sadly, Atiku has once again demonstrated that his primary interest is not national unity or security but how to convert every national development into a political campaign.”

Iyantan explained that security operations are professional, intelligence-driven exercises that are not conducted for media optics or political theatre.

He further explained that the responsibility of a Commander-in-Chief extends far beyond making public appearances after every operation, but rather ensuring security institutions receive the support, intelligence, equipment and strategic direction required to succeed.

Iyantan said: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently strengthened the capacity of our armed forces, and the increasing successes being recorded against terrorists, kidnappers and criminal elements are clear evidence that his administration is making measurable progress.

“What Nigerians expect from opposition leaders is constructive support, not relentless cynicism whenever the country records security victories.”

Yoruba Ronu Group also described as misleading the alleged attempt by Atiku to link the rescue operation with APC’s political activities.

“It is disturbing that while innocent Nigerians have regained their freedom, Atiku’s first instinct is not gratitude but political criticism.

“This is precisely the kind of divisive politics Nigerians have rejected. National security should never become a tool for opposition propaganda,” the statement reads.

Atiku had, in a statement entitled: A Nation At War Needs A Commander-In-Chief, Not A Campaigner-In-Chief,” alleged President Tinubu of engaging in political matters rather than the security of the nation.

Nevertheless, the group called on all political leaders across party lines to rise above partisan interests and support the collective efforts of government and security agencies in confronting insecurity in the country.

Also, the group reaffirmed its confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, calling on Nigerians to continue to support the nation’s security institutions in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.