ADC slams Tinubu over US travel advisory, diplomatic vacuums
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticised the Tinubu administration over the United States government’s latest travel advisory, which now places Nigeria on Level 3: “Reconsider Travel,” citing rising insecurity and a collapsing healthcare system.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the advisory as a “national humiliation” and a damning reflection of the government’s failure to protect citizens and the country’s image abroad.
The party also condemned the absence of Nigerian ambassadors in key capitals, particularly Washington D.C., labelling it an “abdication of responsibility” and accusing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of trivialising urgent diplomatic appointments under the guise of reforms.
“Diplomacy is not a side hustle,” the ADC declared, warning that Nigeria cannot afford to remain voiceless on the global stage while its image deteriorates internationally.
The party expressed concern that the US advisory explicitly mentioned the collapse of Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure, noting that foreigners are being advised to consider evacuation insurance before visiting. “What kind of country are we becoming? One where a visitor must plan for emergency airlift before stepping off the plane?” the statement queried.
Highlighting the absence of an accredited ambassador in Washington D.C., the ADC said it was unacceptable that Nigeria remained voiceless in the capital from which the damaging advisory was issued. The party noted that while five of the G7 countries have changed leaders since October 2023, Nigeria has had no high-level diplomats to engage with these new administrations to protect national interests.
The ADC accused the Tinubu administration of hiding behind excuses of “reforms” to avoid fulfilling its responsibilities, arguing that serious governments do not use reforms as reasons to stop governing.
“This is what happens when a government treats diplomacy as a side hustle. We are absent where we must be present. We are silent where we should be persuasive. We seem to be leaderless at home and invisible abroad,” the party stated.
The ADC reiterated its call on President Tinubu to prioritise Nigeria’s diplomatic representation and to demonstrate a commitment to governance by urgently addressing the gaps in the nation’s foreign policy engagement.
ADC slams Tinubu over US travel advisory, diplomatic vacuums
