The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidateAtiku Abubakar, has condemned President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Prof Yemi Osinbajo for failing to attend the burial of 19 soldiers killed by Boko haram attack at Metele, Borno.
Recall about 23 Soldiers were killed in November when Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists attacked officers and men of the 157 Task Force battalion of the Nigerian Army based in Metele.
Atiku who prayed for the souls of the departed soldiers to find peace, said his heart is with their families and loved ones.
The former Vice President, however condemned the absence of the first two citizens at such an important event, berating the President for creating time for Nollywood and not for those who laid their lives for the security of the entire nation.
In a statement released via his social media handles, December 15, Atiku urged President Buhari to emulate France President, Mr Emmanuel Macron, saying the latter attended the burial of Lt Col Arnaud Beltrame who was killed defending his country by terrorist.
Atiku also disclosed that the Federal government disregarded his advice by not declaring national days of mourning for the dead soldiers, adding that the refusal has worsened his pain.
The statement reads in part.
“Abuja, Nigeria, 15 December, 2018: Today, I saw the pictures of the funeral of the officers and men of the 157 Task Force battalion of the Nigerian Army based in Metele and who were killed by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and my heart went out to the men, their families and to our entire armed forces. May their souls rest in peace and may God grant their families fortitude at such a trying time.
