The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for his comments on terrorists. In a post on his X page, the ADC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the administration of tolerating criminality rather than confronting it.
The ADC's criticism stems from the Chief of Defence Staff's description of terrorists as "sons" of Nigeria. This rhetoric, according to the ADC, blurs the moral and legal lines necessary for a serious security response. The ADC argues that this mindset is responsible for the current approach's inability to protect lives and end the killings.
The ADC has promised to take a different approach if elected in 2027. They plan to establish special terrorism courts for swift prosecution and will treat bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers as enemies of the state. The party's counter-terrorism framework will focus on local intelligence gathering, state-level prevention and deterrence, national coordination and enforcement, and regional collaboration with neighboring countries.
The ADC's stance is clear: they will prioritize citizens' safety and security. They will not tolerate terrorists or treat them as family members. Instead, they will impose severe consequences for harming Nigerians and treat terrorists as enemies of the state.
The Chief of Defence Staff's comments are a stark reminder of the APC administration's failure to tackle terrorism. By referring to terrorists as "sons" of Nigeria, General Oluyede has inadvertently revealed the administration's soft stance on criminality. This approach has led to a surge in terrorist attacks and killings across the country. The ADC's promise to establish special terrorism courts and treat terrorists as enemies of the state is a welcome respite from the current administration's inaction. However, it remains to be seen whether the party's words will translate into action. Nigerians deserve a government that prioritizes their safety and security, and the ADC's counter-terrorism framework is a step in the right direction. The APC administration's failure to address terrorism has resulted in significant economic losses and a decline in investor confidence. The ADC's promise to take a more robust approach to terrorism could potentially attract investors and stimulate economic growth. However, it is essential that the party follows through on its promises and delivers on its counter-terrorism framework.
