Stop criticising Tinubu, God’ll rescue kidnapped children – Umahi tells critics

Works Minister David Umahi has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism over rising insecurity, urging Nigerians not to politicise the crisis while expressing confidence that abducted schoolchildren will regain their freedom.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has pushed back against criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration over worsening insecurity, insisting that the challenge did not begin under the current government and should not be politicised.

Speaking in a viral video seen on Friday, Umahi faulted what he described as attempts by some politicians to weaponise insecurity against the President, urging Nigerians to view the issue as a collective responsibility.

“What is in national discuss now is the issue of security and insecurity. When people talk about insecurity, especially extreme politicians, and insult the President as if insecurity just started within the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is very unfortunate,” Mr Umahi said.

According to The Gazette the minister also questioned why insecurity appears to intensify during election periods and called for prayers for the release of the 46 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.

“Security is the job of everyone. Security should not be politicised. Why is it that anytime we are approaching elections, there is heightened insecurity? It is very unfair. Anyone who takes the life of another person under any guise, God is watching,” Mr Umahi said.

He added, “We will continue to pray for all our children, who are in captivity. God sees them, wherever they are hidding. Their hands will be losen by God. And they will return.”

Umahi’s remarks come amid growing public outrage over the continued captivity of the abductees, who have spent more than 20 days in captivity, triggering protests in several cities across Nigeria.