Maiduguri Blasts: ADC urges Tinubu to return from UK trip

By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the deadly bomb blasts in Maiduguri, Borno State, and called on President Bola Tinubu to return to the country immediately to address the situation.

The opposition party said the attack has once again raised serious questions about leadership at a critical time, stressing that security must not take a back seat to politics or official trips abroad.

This position was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary.

He said, “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) strongly condemns the bomb blasts that have shaken Maiduguri, Borno State, leaving innocent Nigerians dead and many others injured.

“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the people of Maiduguri, a city that has endured more than its fair share of pain over the years. Terrorism anywhere in Nigeria is an attack on all Nigerians.

“We commend the courage of first responders and security personnel who are working to assist the injured and restore calm. But this tragic incident also raises persistent questions about the state of security in our country.

“Moments like this demand the full and undivided attention of the nation’s leadership. It is therefore troubling that the President is currently outside the country at a time when such a serious attack on national security has occurred.

“At a time when Nigerian soldiers and civilians are being wilfully killed by terrorists, those charged with protecting the country are focused on the politics of self-succession. The National Security Adviser is going after opposition figures and calling bandits his ‘brothers’, while the Minister of Defence is on television planning the APC national convention. This is not leadership. It is a dangerous distraction, and it is costing lives.

“In case this government has forgotten, those being killed by terrorists are not just numbers. Those soldiers being mown down by bandits are people’s children, husbands, fathers and family members.

“Instead, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is abroad, exchanging pleasantries with the King and Queen of England while Nigerians mourn and soldiers are being buried. Not a word has been spared for the victims or the brave soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of Nigeria.

“The protection of lives and property is the most basic responsibility of any government. It cannot be treated as secondary to political distractions or competing priorities. The ADC therefore calls on President Tinubu to return to the country immediately and show, for once, that he cares about something beyond politics.

“We also believe it is time for the government to take full responsibility for every life lost that could have been protected, by paying compensation to the families of victims, whether military or civilian.

“It is no longer enough for the government to merely issue condolences and condemnations. Its first duty is to protect lives. Nigeria cannot continue on a path where the loss of life becomes routine.”

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