The Northern Coalition for Justice (NCJ) has criticised comments by Atiku Abubakar on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s stance on insecurity, describing the remarks as “politically driven and insensitive to the plight of victims.”
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its President, Mallam Mustapha Alhassan, the group said Atiku’s reaction not only misrepresents the government’s efforts but also “amounts to a subtle mockery of victims of insecurity across the country.”
The Coalition argued that while national grief over insecurity is real and must be acknowledged, exploiting such tragedies for political criticism risks trivialising the suffering of affected communities.
“It is deeply concerning that comments of this nature, rather than offering solutions, appear to weaponise the pain of victims for political advantage. In doing so, they inadvertently mock the very people whose suffering is being cited,” the statement read.
Mallam Alhassan said the administration of President Tinubu has demonstrated commitment to addressing insecurity through sustained military operations, improved inter-agency coordination, and increased investment in security infrastructure.
He noted that the country’s security challenges are longstanding and complex, requiring time, consistency, and collective effort to resolve.
“No responsible government will abandon its duty to protect lives and property. What is required now is unity of purpose, not commentary that deepens division or diminishes the sacrifices being made to restore peace,” he said.
The group also faulted the “emotional and exaggerated framing” of insecurity statistics, warning that such narratives could create panic and undermine public trust in ongoing efforts.
According to the Coalition, political leaders have a responsibility to contribute constructively to national discourse, particularly on sensitive issues such as security.
“Leadership demands empathy, but it also requires responsibility in communication. Public statements must aim to heal, not inflame; to unite, not divide,” Alhassan added.
The NCJ further stated that the President’s remarks reflect determination to confront insecurity rather than indifference to the suffering of citizens.
It said resilience and steadfastness are necessary qualities in leadership, especially in times of national challenge.
“The President’s position should be understood as a commitment to stay the course and confront these challenges head-on. It is not, in any way, a dismissal of the pain experienced by Nigerians,” the statement said.
The Coalition urged political actors to rise above partisan considerations and support efforts aimed at strengthening security institutions and protecting lives.
It also called for greater collaboration between government, opposition leaders, and citizens in addressing the root causes of insecurity.
“At a time when the nation is confronting serious threats, unity is not optional; it is essential. We must all contribute to building a safer Nigeria,” the group said.
The NCJ reiterated its support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, commending their sacrifices and expressing confidence in ongoing operations.
It urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and supportive of security efforts, while rejecting narratives that could undermine national cohesion.
“Security is a shared responsibility. We must stand together in defence of our country and in solidarity with the victims; not use their pain as a tool for political scoring,” Mallam Alhassan said.