A prominent Islamic scholar in Maiduguri has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima over recent bomb attacks in parts of Borno State.
Speaking during a public address, the cleric said the two leaders had failed to show enough empathy and leadership at a time when victims and affected communities needed support.
“You really don’t care about us,” the scholar said, expressing anger over what he described as the government’s silence and absence.
He said that while people were dying and families were grieving in Maiduguri, the country’s top leaders were busy with official trips to the United Kingdom and Anambra State.
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The scholar directed part of his criticism at Vice President Shettima, reminding him of his roots in Maiduguri and the expectations of his people.
“You came from Maiduguri. You understand the pain of these people. It is your responsibility to stand with them in moments like this. There is life after politics,” he said.
He also questioned the Muslim-Muslim ticket that brought both leaders to power, saying it has not brought enough protection or support to Muslim communities facing insecurity.
The cleric called for urgent action and asked the federal government to place the safety and welfare of citizens above all else.
He said leaders in developed countries often cut short their engagements and return home during national tragedies to comfort victims and lead response efforts.
“In other parts of the world, when disasters like this happen, leaders drop everything and return to their people. That is leadership. That is compassion,” he said.
He ended his remarks with prayers for the victims and called for lasting peace in the region.
“May Allah grant the victims mercy, heal the wounded, and bring an end to this cycle of violence,” he prayed.
