Former Labour Party presidential aspirant and founder of the Rescue Movement for a New Nigeria, Faduri Oluwadare Joseph (Fadojoe), has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s response to recent genocide allegations against Nigeria, describing it as “insufficient and disconnected from the pain of ordinary citizens.”

In a statement at the weekend, Fadojoe expressed concern that the President’s remarks, in which he pledged to fight terrorism and end insecurity in the country, failed to adequately address Nigerians’ fears and grief over continuing killings in several parts of the country.

“In a responsible country, when the President of the United States accuses our nation of genocide, and this issue spreads across the global stage, one would expect our own President to promptly and compassionately address his people,” Fadojoe said.

“Even President Donald J. Trump has made a public statement directed at the Nigerian government. Yet, here we are, without a caring and competent leader who can speak directly to the pains and cries of Nigerians.”

President Tinubu had earlier dismissed allegations of genocide, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ending terrorism and protecting all Nigerians regardless of religion or ethnicity.

However, Fadojoe insisted that the government’s approach and public communication have not reassured citizens.

“A responsible President would come out and say, ‘My people, I hear your pain. I acknowledge the killings happening across our land, no Nigerian should be killed under our watch.’ That is the number one responsibility of leadership,” he said.

Fadojoe also accused some state governments of complicity in the violence, citing instances where governors reportedly held meetings with bandits and armed groups.

“How can a government sit face-to-face with criminals, and yet, the next day, those same people go out to attack innocent citizens?” he asked. “If the government can summon them for a meeting, it means they are known, and that is proof of complicity.”

He condemned what he described as “a culture of silence and impunity” within the political class, warning that such inaction erodes public trust and fuels insecurity.

“It is disheartening that the President of Nigeria does not see the need to address his citizens more directly, to say, ‘I hear you, I see your pain, and I will do something about it,’” Fadojoe added. “The truth is this: these killings are unacceptable. We cannot continue this way.”

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Fadojoe urged Nigerians to reject corrupt and recycled politicians, calling for a new generation of leaders with integrity, compassion, and competence.

“Let us ensure that the elections are not rigged,” he said. “Let us reject the same old politicians who have nothing to offer our country except their long experience in corruption and mismanagement.”

Fadojoe, who also heads the F-Planet Humanitarian Foundation, reaffirmed his commitment to promoting unity, justice, and accountable governance, urging citizens to remain hopeful for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria. (THE SUN)