Political tensions have once again taken centre stage in Nigeria as former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, openly criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over what he described as a lack of compassion for victims of terrorism and violent attacks across the country. The remarks have sparked fresh debate about the role of political leaders in responding to national tragedies and showing support for affected families.
Speaking during a recent political discussion, Lawal accused Atiku of failing to consistently stand with victims of violence during some of the country’s most painful moments. According to him, public leaders are expected not only to condemn acts of terror but also to show empathy for those who suffer the consequences. He pointed to the widely reported killing of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto as one example. Lawal recalled that Atiku initially reacted to the incident but later withdrew his statement following criticism from some quarters. In his view, that decision raised questions about the former vice president’s willingness to take a firm stand when difficult issues arise.
Lawal further argued that beyond the Deborah Samuel case, there have been several other incidents involving terrorism, banditry and violent attacks in different parts of Nigeria where, according to him, Atiku did not publicly demonstrate enough concern. He claimed that Nigerians expect leaders seeking public office to speak clearly during periods of national grief rather than remain silent. While he acknowledged that political figures may approach issues differently, he maintained that showing sympathy for victims should never be selective. His comments have since attracted reactions from political observers, supporters and critics across the country.
The criticism comes at a time when insecurity remains one of the biggest concerns facing many Nigerians. Across several states, communities continue to battle attacks by terrorists, kidnappers and armed criminal groups. Families have lost loved ones, thousands have been displaced from their homes and many communities are still struggling to recover from past violence. As a result, statements made by influential political figures often receive significant public attention because citizens want reassurance that their leaders understand the challenges they face. For many Nigerians, words of sympathy may not solve security problems, but they can provide comfort and demonstrate solidarity with victims.
Meanwhile, supporters of Atiku have defended the former vice president against the criticism. Some argue that political opponents often focus on isolated incidents while ignoring other occasions when he has spoken about insecurity and national unity. They insist that public records should be examined carefully before drawing conclusions about any leader’s commitment to victims of violence. Others believe the debate reflects the growing political competition ahead of future elections, where issues such as security, leadership and public trust are expected to play major roles. Regardless of the differing opinions, the discussion has once again placed the spotlight on how political leaders communicate during times of crisis.
This development matters because leadership is not judged only by policies and campaign promises but also by how leaders respond when citizens are suffering. In a country facing persistent security challenges, many people expect public figures to speak with clarity, compassion and consistency. Whether one agrees with Babachir Lawal’s criticism or not, the conversation highlights an important issue about accountability and empathy in public service. Nigerians continue to demand leaders who can not only address security problems but also stand visibly with victims when tragedy strikes.
Babachir Lawal’s remarks have added another layer to the ongoing conversation about leadership and responsibility in Nigeria. While political disagreements are common, the welfare of victims should remain above partisan interests. Public officials and aspiring leaders alike must remember that moments of tragedy often reveal the qualities citizens value most—compassion, courage and a willingness to stand with the people during difficult times.