“Tinubu Speaks to Jos Attack Victims: Insights from the Airport Encounter”
The Presidency has clarified why President Bola Tinubu spoke to victims of the recent Plateau assaults at the airport in Jos rather than visiting the affected areas.
In a statement released on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was mentioned that logistical and scheduling issues influenced the choice.
As noted in the statement, Tinubu’s schedule on Thursday entailed welcoming Chadian President, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, at the Presidential Villa before heading to Iperu in Ogun State.
Nevertheless, the Presidency clarified that after receiving a briefing from Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the President canceled the Ogun journey and organized an emergency visit to Jos.
The Presidency indicated that the bilateral discussion with the Chadian leader, centered on enhancing security collaboration, extended longer than anticipated, causing a delay in Tinubu’s departure for Plateau.
Additionally, upon his arrival in Jos, the President encountered further logistical difficulties, mentioning that the airport runway does not accommodate night operations due to a lack of navigational aids.
“President Tinubu’s agenda for Thursday included two primary engagements: greeting Chadian President, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, and proceeding to Iperu, Ogun State. After being briefed by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, President Tinubu suspended the Ogun trip. Overnight, arrangements for the visit to Jos were finalized at the Presidential Villa, with presidential resources swiftly mobilized. However, the President could not defer the planned visit by the Chadian leader.
“The President of Chad was at the Presidential Villa for a crucial bilateral discussion aimed at fortifying security collaboration between both nations. The meeting extended longer than expected, impacting President Tinubu’s scheduled departure for Jos,” the statement explained.
Onanuga further stated that consequently, government officials coordinated for representatives of the impacted communities to meet the President at a venue close to the airport.
The Presidency noted that security leaders, including the Minister of Defence, Chief of Army Staff, and Inspector General of Police, had previously visited Rukuba, identified as the center of the violence.
It mentioned that Tinubu utilized the meeting to express condolences to victims, engage stakeholders, and explore strategies to halt the recurring violence in the state.
The President also assured residents of the Federal Government’s dedication to justice and enduring peace, while pledging the deployment of 5,000 AI-powered cameras to bolster security and assist in identifying offenders.
