In a dramatic twist of political irony, past remarks made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan have resurfaced, reigniting debates about Nigeria’s persistent insecurity challenges.
This comes following the recent killings in Plateau State.
The comments, originally made when Tinubu was in opposition, were recently unearthed and circulated on social media by renowned Nigerian skit maker and activist, Adebowale Adebayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni.
READ ALSO: Again, gunmen kill 10 in Plateau community
In the quoted statements on Twitter now X, Tinubu, then a national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had launched a scathing attack on the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its failure to tackle insecurity, especially in the wake of the gruesome killings of Christian worshippers and civilians by terror groups – Boko Haram in northern Nigeria.
“The entire nation has lost its trust in the ruling party, APC. It is a challenging time and we have to be very careful,” Tinubu had said, calling for urgent action at the time.
He continued: “Nigeria’s security situation is precarious. Nigerians are tired of excuses and explanations. They want protection for their lives and property.”
Tinubu further condemned the killings of Christian worshippers, saying: “The slaughtering of Christian worshippers is strongly condemnable. It calls to question the competence of Jonathan to protect Nigerians.”
The quotes especially the final line have sparked intense scrutiny and criticism, with many Nigerians pointing out the bitter irony of the current situation, where the nation remains mired in a wave of violence, including terrorism, kidnappings, banditry, and communal clashes, even under Tinubu’s leadership.
Mr Macaroni, known for blending satire with activism, shared the quotes on social media, challenging the President and the APC government to reflect on the promises and moral high ground they once stood upon.
“What is even more heartbreaking about the Killings happening in the country at this time is the lack of concern! This isn’t Normal!!!!” Mr Macaroni said.
The post has since gone viral, with thousands of Nigerians flooding social media with reactions, accusing the current administration of hypocrisy and failure to fulfill its electoral promises on security.
Meanwhile, rights groups and political commentators have urged the government to take the criticism seriously, warning that insecurity is rapidly eroding citizens’ faith in the government.
As of now, the presidency has not issued a formal response to the resurgence of the quotes, but political observers say the situation is a sobering reminder that history remembers and records.
