The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed disapproval towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for choosing to attend the Argungu Fishing Festival while the country faces a deteriorating security landscape.
In a statement released on Sunday, the party indicated that around 1,300 Nigerians have reportedly died over the past 41 days, with countless others, including women and children, remaining in captivity.
The commentary, authored by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, criticized the President for his misplaced priorities, as his presence at the festival coincides with a surge in violent attacks nationwide.
The ADC described this decision as a disturbing detachment from the realities on the ground, emphasizing the prevalence of funeral processions as terrorists continue to wreak havoc, killing, burning, and abducting innocent citizens.
"We are especially concerned that at a time of rising insecurity, the President and Commander-in-Chief was in Argungu attending a fishing festival, even as credible reports indicate that nearly 1,300 Nigerians have been killed in the last 41 days," the statement remarked.
The party also voiced concern regarding a video allegedly related to the Kaiama abductions in Kwara State, where insurgents were seen disputing official casualty figures.
The ADC noted that such incidents imply an attempt by armed groups to manipulate the narrative concerning the security situation in Nigeria.
The statement elaborated, "We are also greatly disturbed by the emergence of a video allegedly released by terrorists in connection with the recent abductions in Kaiama Local Government Area, challenging official figures on the number of kidnapped victims. This comes amid fresh reports of terrorist activity in Patigi Local Government Area of the same state just recently."
The ADC cautioned that the increasing audacity of armed groups, particularly in the Kwara corridor, could indicate that the government is losing control over vital areas, potentially enabling terrorists to access other regions of the country.
"When non-state actors can confidently publicly contradict official data, it indicates a worrisome decline in deterrent measures and highlights urgent concerns regarding the management of both security and information landscapes. Ultimately, this suggests that terrorists now perceive kidnapping as a lucrative business, and they are determined not to be short-changed in ransom discussions that are likely to ensue," the statement added.
The party further reiterated its long-standing position against paying ransoms to terrorists, stressing that such actions can entrench the criminal economy that fosters mass abductions. They conveyed that while ensuring the safe return of victims is critical, disguising ransom payments as rescue missions only creates dangerous incentives for future assaults.
The ADC recalled the persistent violence plaguing the southern region of Kwara State since the previous year and warned that the escalation of attacks northward could further empower armed groups and establish secure havens for them.
"As assaults expand northward, it appears terrorists are consolidating their control over the state and potentially using it as a safe base. The repercussions for the broader nation are unmistakable and concerning. It is therefore alarming that the President could opt to participate in a fishing festival while terrorists threaten to amplify their operations," the statement concluded.
The ADC highlighted the strategic relevance of the Kaiama area, noting its connection to Oyo State, which could create wider vulnerabilities across parts of the North Central and South West if not addressed promptly.
The party urged the Federal Government to initiate a coordinated rescue effort to release all abducted individuals while providing a transparent public update regarding the number of those impacted.
Additionally, they called for an immediate security audit of the Kaiama and Kainji Lake forest areas, reinforced cross-state security cooperation among Kwara, Niger, and Oyo states, and consistent public communication to counter the propaganda from armed groups.
Lastly, the ADC asserted that Nigerians are weary of reassurances regarding security as citizens endure ongoing attacks, insisting that strong leadership prioritizing the safety of lives is critically needed.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to holding the Federal Government accountable while supporting effective efforts aimed at combating terrorism and restoring peace across the nation.
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