Atiku Abubakar, the People’s Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, came under fire on social media on Friday after denouncing the killing of Abdulsamad Lawani, a Nigerian citizen, in Germany.
Nigerians were incensed by the former vice president’s action and brought up Deborah Samuel, a Christian student at Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, who was brutally murdered in May 2022 by other students for allegedly blaspheming Prophet Muhammad.
Deborah’s death was denounced by Atiku in a tweet, which he later removed and apologised for on his Facebook page.
“There cannot be a reason for such gruesome murder,” stated a tweet posted through Atiku’s verified profile condemning Deborah’s killing. Deborah Yakubu was murdered, and those responsible must be held accountable. I offer her family and friends my sympathies.
The former vice president, however, clarified that he was not responsible for the deleted tweet in a post on his verified Hausa page. He also said that any post on social media without the letters “A. A.” was not his.
This evening, I learned that a post had been created that conflicts with my directives. This is my way of saying that any posts that don’t include “A.A.” are not mine. “May God keep us safe,” he wished in Hausa.
In a sudden turn of events, Atiku on Friday condemned the killing of the Nigerian living in Germany, Lawani, on both his Facebook and Twitter profiles, despite the fact that the specifics of what happened weren’t made public.
The former vice president stated, “I learned of the horrific murder of a young Nigerian in Germany, Abdulsamad Lawani, with tremendous grief.” During this difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with Diapora’s family, friends, and community. May he find peace with his soul. -A.A.”
A Twitter user named S. Kabiru said after his message of criticism, “Every four years, searching for votes for empathy.” Once you lose right now, you’ll collapse once again like Ajaokuta. May the devoted departed’s soul rest in peace.
Sochi, a different Twitter user, asked, “What about the horrific murder of Deborah?” Typically, your account is active every few years.
Akparawa Wilson, a Twitter user, shared a screenshot of the since-removed tweet criticising Deborah’s death and commented, “I personally can’t take you seriously unless you bring back this tweet.”
Make una dey see hypocrites of the highest order, tweeted another Twitter user, Savage God.See, way down in his care, this is the same person who removed a tweet regarding Deborah’s murder a few months ago. Baba… Nigerians don’t look forward or back.
During the Channels Television town hall meeting in December, Atiku explained why he took down the tweet in which he condemned the death of Deborah.
He reiterated that he deleted the tweet he had previously sent out condemning Deborah’s slaying because it had been forwarded without his consent.
