African Democratic Congress Condemns State Failure in Nigeria

Strategic Insights -

Nigeria is sliding into a dangerous phase of state failure as armed groups extort over N56 million from farmers in Zamfara State, a situation that is both a Zamfara tragedy and a national warning. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described the scenario as a sign of a failed state, calling on the federal government to put in place measures to address the situation. The party also points to the abandoned village in Ifelodun Local Government of Kwara State as evidence of national surrender.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ADC described the reported extortion of over N56 million from farmers in Zamfara State by armed groups as a sign of a failed state.
  • The party called on the federal government to take measures to address the situation, citing the abandoned village in Ifelodun Local Government of Kwara State as evidence of national surrender.
  • Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC's National Publicity Secretary, stated that a situation where farmers pay terrorists for access to their farmlands is not just a local challenge but an evidence of national surrender.
  • Abdullahi also pointed out that Nigeria has one of the largest defence budgets in Africa, yet farmers are left to bargain with warlords for their survival.
  • The ADC recalled that in the same Zamfara state, about 50 people were abducted in one swoop, and asked if the Tinubu-led APC government is still in charge and can be trusted to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians.
  • The party also questioned why the President did not declare a state of emergency in Zamfara State, despite the industrial-scale kidnapping and challenge to the authority of the Nigerian State.

Statistics:

  • Over N56 million was extorted from farmers in Zamfara State by armed groups.
  • About 50 people were abducted in one swoop in the same Zamfara state few days ago.
  • The ADC noted that Nigeria has one of the largest defence budgets in Africa.

Sources:

  • African Democratic Congress (ADC) statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary.