- Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the June 12 Democracy Day celebration, arguing that the occasion should have focused more on victims of insecurity across the country.
- Shaibu also compared the public response of former First Lady Patience Jonathan to that of current First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, claiming that families affected by kidnappings and violence deserved greater empathy and public engagement from national leaders.
Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Federal Government’s approach to the June 12 Democracy Day celebration, insisting that the occasion should have centred on victims of insecurity rather than highlighting government achievements.
Speaking during an interview on Trust TV News, Shaibu argued that many Nigerian families affected by kidnappings and insecurity were expecting greater empathy and public acknowledgement of their suffering from national leaders.
He expressed disappointment that First Lady Oluremi Tinubu had not publicly addressed recent abductions involving schoolchildren in parts of Oyo and Borno states, including children in early learning centres.
According to Shaibu, affected families have been left without visible reassurance or expressions of sympathy from some of the country’s top officials.
“Many families have spent weeks grieving, praying and hoping for the safe return of their loved ones, yet there has been no public statement of empathy from the First Lady,” he said.
The presidential aide compared the situation to the tenure of former First Lady Patience Jonathan, recalling a statement she made during a previous national crisis.
Shaibu said her widely circulated remark, “There is God o,” resonated with many Nigerians because it reflected emotional connection and concern during a difficult period.
He also criticised the distribution of vehicles at the Presidential Villa during the Democracy Day period, describing the action as insensitive in light of the suffering being experienced by families affected by insecurity.
According to him, June 12 should not be measured by achievements, statistics, or national honours alone, but should also serve as a day of solidarity with victims of insecurity across the country.
“If Atiku Abubakar were president, he would have marked the day by visiting affected families in states such as Oyo, Borno and Yobe,” Shaibu added.
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