By Shehu Garba
Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his handling of the Angwan Rukuba killings in Plateau State, questioning why the President is now seeking the support of Plateau residents after allegedly failing to identify with them during their moment of grief.
Dalung, in a statement titled: ‘Plateau State Is Not A Place You Remember Only When You Need Its Votes,’ said the people of Plateau expected the President to visit and sympathise with victims of the Angwan Rukuba killings on Palm Sunday rather than end his condolence visit at the airport.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the former minister alleged that Tinubu remained at the airport in Jos before returning to Abuja without visiting the affected community or meeting with grieving families.
“You came to Jos, remained at the airport and returned to Abuja without visiting the victims or identifying with the grieving people. Now, as the political season gathers momentum, we are expecting you in Plateau to ask for our votes,” Dalung said.
He challenged the President to explain the difference between his response to Plateau State during the tragedy and his willingness to visit the state to seek electoral support ahead of another election.
Dalung also demanded clarification on the promises made following the Angwan Rukuba killings, asking whether the victims and their families had received adequate attention and support from the Federal Government.
He further questioned what measures the Tinubu administration had taken to tackle the persistent insecurity threatening lives and communities across Plateau State.
“More importantly, why does it appear easier for you to find your way to Plateau when there is an election to win than when there are lives to mourn,” he queried.
According to Dalung, a President cannot demand the loyalty of citizens while treating their suffering as an inconvenience.
He argued that effective leadership should be measured not by the number of campaign rallies attended but by a leader’s willingness to stand with citizens during their most difficult moments.
“Plateau is not a political orphan waiting to be adopted during election season. Its people deserve protection, empathy and responsible leadership, not seasonal political attention,” he stated.
Dalung concluded by challenging Tinubu to demonstrate why Plateau residents should trust him with another mandate, insisting that the people deserve assurances that their lives are as important to the President as their votes.
“Mr President, before asking Plateau for another mandate, what reason have you given its people to believe that their lives matter to you as much as their votes,” he added.
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