Atiku Criticizes Nigeria's Slow Xenophobia Response

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu for its slow and underwhelming response to renewed anti-immigrant tensions and xenophobic threats in South Africa. Atiku Abubakar highlighted that while smaller nations like Ghana swiftly evacuated their citizens, Nigeria appeared hesitant and reactive. He accused the Nigerian government of a 'lethargy' that has become its 'defining trademark' and called for more decisive actions, including a robust travel advisory, efficient evacuation arrangements, intensified diplomatic engagement with South Africa, and a continental framework through the African Union to address xenophobic violence. Atiku Abubakar emphasized that a government's primary obligation is the protection of its citizens, regardless of their location, and described Nigeria's delayed response as humiliating.