Dare Babalola
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have condemned the deadly bomb blasts in Maiduguri, Borno State, calling on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to address the worsening security situation.
PDP, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, on Tuesday, lamented that the APC-led administration under President Tinubu has failed Nigerians, adding that the attacks are evidence.
Ememobong alleged that the APC government’s insecurity record has gone from bad to worse, with bombings and attacks now hitting areas previously considered safe, far beyond the Northeastern region.
The statement reads in part, “The recent multiple bombings in Maiduguri, resulting in at least 23 deaths and injuring more than 100 people, are another incontrovertible piece of evidence of the inability of the APC-led federal government to curb the growing insecurity in the country.
“This bombing is an unfortunate addition to the numerous acts of grave insecurity that have occurred under the watch of President Bola Tinubu, who was the loudest campaign voice for the APC, promising to end insecurity immediately if his party is elected.
“Sadly, 11 years later, insecurity has not only increased significantly in the Northeastern part of Nigeria; it has spread almost uncontrollably to many other parts of the country that were hitherto very safe and peaceful.
“Despite this glaring failure, the APC-led Presidency has devoted more time, energy, and resources to the task of political genocide against the opposition, instead of deploying the same to combat the growing insecurity that has become the lived reality and new normal of Nigerians. There is no one, including the President, who will not agree that our country was safer in 2015 than it is today.”
On its part, the ADC, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, stressed that safeguarding lives and property must come before political engagements and diplomatic activities.
ADC urged President Tinubu to return to the country without delay and focus on his core responsibility of ensuring the safety of citizens.
The party added that the incident has once again raised enduring concerns about the state of security in the country.
It stated, “The African Democratic Congress 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. At moments like this, the country must stand together with the people who have been affected.
“We commend the courage of first responders and security personnel who are working to assist the injured and restore calm. However, this tragic incident also raises persistent questions about the state of security in our country. Maiduguri, which in recent years had begun to experience a measure of stability after the darkest days of the insurgency, should not be returning to a situation where coordinated bomb attacks once again threaten the safety of ordinary citizens going about their daily lives.
“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.”
Recall that on Monday evening, explosions occurred around the popular Monday Market and near a security post at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
The explosions reportedly occurred around 7:02 pm, hours after suspected members of Boko Haram launched coordinated attacks on three military formations in different parts of Borno State, leaving at least 23 people killed and more than 100 were injured.
