Politics ‘Blinding’ Tinubu To Nationwide Insecurity — ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as his continued insensitivity to Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, accusing him of prioritising political appearances over his sacred duty of protecting the lives of Nigerians.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party also dismissed as mere “political rhetoric” the President’s remarks at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos that his mission is to unite Nigerians, saying that the President’s actions since he came to office did not indicate that he understands what it takes to unite Nigerians.

The party said Nigeria is under attack, and offers suggestions to the Tinubu administration on how to tackle the problem of insecurity in the country.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is deeply disturbed by the brazen insensitivity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the growing insecurity in the country.”

“As the Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in whom the constitutional authority to secure the lives and property of citizens is vested, the President’s continued preference for attending social and political events in the midst of alarming deterioration of internal security is both unacceptable and irresponsible.

“Just today, the newspapers are reporting that nine Local Government Areas in Kwara State, a state that had until this APC-led administration enjoyed a reputation for peace and stability, reportedly came under siege by armed bandits. In a development that underscores the extent of state fragility, residents are now being forced to provide food items, drinks, money, and other services as ransom payments. This is a complete failure of governance. Yet, the presidency has neither acknowledged the situation nor outlined any plan of action to support the affected communities or hold those responsible to account.

“On the same day, a similar tragic attack by gunmen was reported in Kogi State, during which travellers were killed and several others, including women and children, were abducted for ransom. Earlier in the week, there were reports that more than 180 schools across states in Northern Nigeria have been shut and children kept at home as a result of worsening insecurity. Unfortunately, these reports form part of a broader and bloodier pattern. From Plateau to Zamfara, Benue to Niger, Kaduna to Kwara, incidents of mass abductions, violent attacks, and forced displacement continue to rise.

“Despite this, the federal government persists in offering vague assurances that “progress” is being made, an insensitive claim that is being refuted daily in blood and body counts of innocent victims who, it now appears, the gunmen kill for sport.

While rural communities are being emptied and schools are being shut down, the President continues to attend funerals and ceremonies involving political associates. This sends the unfortunate message that the President cares more about political appearances than the lives of Nigerian citizens.”

The statement said when hundreds of lives were lost in Plateau, the president “chose to remain in the cosy comfort of the Presidential Villa to condemn the attacks he should have prevented”.