122
By Myke Agunwa, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s address at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), accusing the administration of chasing global recognition while neglecting worsening insurgency back home.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the world body’s annual gathering in New York, had called for sweeping reforms of the United Nations Security Council that would secure Nigeria a permanent seat. He also indicted the UN for failing to sustain global peace, citing ongoing humanitarian disasters in the Middle East and other regions as “stains on our collective humanity.”
But in a swift reaction, the ADC dismissed the address as a wasted opportunity to mobilize international support to tackle insecurity, hunger, and economic collapse at home.
In a statement on Thursday by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Jackie Wayas, the party accused the government of glossing over Nigeria’s urgent challenges in favor of lofty but disconnected foreign policy goals.
Wayas painted a grim picture of the state of the nation, warning that insecurity had pushed Nigeria to the brink of collapse.
She pointed to worsening farmer-herder violence and the unchecked activities of armed groups, which she said were forcing farmers off their land and plunging food production into crisis across several states.
“The country is at a breaking point,” she declared. “Insecurity has forced farmers to abandon their fields, food production is collapsing in many states, and the cost of essential goods has risen beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians.”
The ADC spokesperson cited a recent incident in Katsina State, where heavily armed bandits openly held a press conference, parading ammunition around their necks. “This is not just an embarrassment, it is a national shame and an indictment of any government that claims to have control over its territory,” she said.
She said that it was alarmed that the government would choose to emphasize global conflicts abroad while failing to present a convincing plan to resolve the crises ravaging the nation.
“Instead of rallying global partners to help Nigeria overcome its grave internal crises, this government chose to focus on another nation’s struggles,” Wayas argued. “Nigerians deserve leadership that puts their security, dignity, and wellbeing first.
“Hunger is fast becoming the reality for millions as insecurity disrupts agricultural activities and food distribution across the country,” she warned.
The ADC urged President Tinubu’s administration to recalibrate its priorities by confronting insecurity head-on, stabilizing food production, and addressing the cost-of-living crisis before seeking higher international status.
“It is only when Nigeria puts its house in order that it can make a credible case for leadership on the global stage,” Wayas said.