Atiku Slams Tinubu As President, Reassures Northern Christians

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday reaffirmed his commitment to uniting Nigerians and promoting fairness among all religions during a meeting with Christian leaders in Plateau State.

His remarks came amid rising violence in the Middle Belt and northern regions, which has drawn both local and international concern.

Tinubu, who met with leaders of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, assured them that his administration would protect every citizen regardless of faith. He said his government’s mission was to foster peace, rebuild trust, and restore national unity. He also pointed to his interfaith family background as proof of his belief in religious tolerance, stressing that love, character, and service to others mattered more than differences in faith.

The meeting came as global attention focused on the growing insecurity in Nigeria’s northern region. Lawmakers in the United States and Canada recently accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christian communities, with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz introducing a bill on religious freedom abuses in Nigeria. Nigerian officials, however, maintain that the violence is driven by criminal gangs and insurgents who attack indiscriminately, not by state-sponsored persecution.

During his visit, President Tinubu attended the burial of Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda. The President described her as a selfless mother whose life of service and faith inspired many. He also reflected on his political ties to Plateau, recalling his involvement in key political decisions during the early 1990s.

The COCIN President, Reverend Amos Mohzo, thanked Tinubu for engaging northern Christians and for appointing prominent figures like Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, from the region. He appealed to the President to assist victims of conflicts in Plateau, Benue, and other parts of the North-Central and to facilitate the return of displaced Christian communities in Borno and Adamawa.

In response, Tinubu promised to intensify security operations across the country. He said his administration was defeating bandits and would continue tackling insurgency, farmers-herders clashes, and other security threats. He reiterated that economic reforms were also underway to ease hardship and promote national development.

However, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the President’s visit, accusing him of attending a political event instead of visiting communities affected by recent attacks. In a statement, Atiku described Tinubu’s action as insensitive, arguing that the President should have shown empathy to grieving families in Plateau and other states hit by violence.

Atiku said Tinubu’s presence at the burial reflected misplaced priorities, adding that while many Nigerians mourn their losses, the President chose to celebrate with party loyalists. He cited recent massacres in Benue, Niger, and Kwara states as examples of the worsening security situation that deserved the President’s direct attention.

Atiku’s criticism comes as insecurity continues to plague the Middle Belt, forcing thousands from their homes and leaving entire communities vulnerable. While Tinubu’s administration maintains that it is working to restore peace and rebuild affected areas, opposition voices insist that the President must demonstrate more compassion and leadership in confronting the crisis.

As tensions mount, Tinubu’s promise of unity faces a crucial test in the coming months — balancing political commitments with the urgent need to heal a divided and grieving nation.