Kenneth Okonkwo, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Defence for continuing with the State Visit to the United Kingdom while Nigerian soldiers continue to die in the North East.
Speaking on Wednesday, Okonkwo described the ADC as a “welfarist party” in contrast to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), whose leaders, he claimed, are “treading upon the blood of martyrs” in pursuit of diplomatic engagements abroad.
He specifically referenced a recent tragedy in which soldiers lost their lives in the North East, arguing that such sacrifices deserved solemn acknowledgment rather than overshadowing by a state visit. “After all, Donald Trump personally went to receive the remains of six American soldiers who died in the line of duty,” Okonkwo said. “Yet President Tinubu could not suspend the State Visit to the United Kingdom.”
Okonkwo’s remarks add to growing criticism from political observers and opposition members who question the timing and priorities of Nigeria’s leadership amid ongoing security challenges in the country.
The ADC member reiterated that his party prioritizes the welfare of Nigerians, particularly soldiers and civilians affected by insurgency, and called for stronger measures to address security concerns at home before engaging in foreign diplomacy.
