The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized the Nigerian Federal Government for attributing the recent surge in attacks, particularly in Kebbi and Kwara States, to comments made by US President Donald Trump.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had stated that President Trump’s remarks on Nigeria’s security situation had emboldened violent groups across the country. In response, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described Akume’s comment as an attempt to shift responsibility. Abdullahi found it appalling that the government suggested a foreign president’s statement triggered insecurity in Nigeria.
The ADC spokesperson argued that this claim amounts to an abdication of responsibility and indicates that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is struggling to manage the security crisis. Nigerians have endured years of massacres, mass abductions, and attacks on schools and places of worship under the APC-led government, with the situation worsening under the current administration due to the government’s failure to respond effectively.
Abdullahi emphasized that it is disingenuous to blame a single tweet for the state of insecurity in Nigeria, as those responsible for the violence were already active and had been encouraged by the government’s inaction. The ADC spokesperson noted that the government’s inability to act decisively has created an environment conducive to violence, with the country experiencing increased attacks despite the government’s celebrations of its electoral victory.
The criticism from the ADC highlights the ongoing debate about the Nigerian government’s handling of the security situation. As the country continues to grapple with insecurity, the government’s response to criticism and its ability to address the root causes of the violence will be closely watched. The ADC’s statement reinforces the need for the government to take responsibility for its actions and develop effective strategies to combat the security challenges facing Nigeria.
