society

Tinubu’s Food Security Reforms: A Reactionary Gimmick Driven by Fear, Not Empathy – ADC Fires Back

Published

11 months ago

July 8, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Tinubu’s Food Security Reforms: A Reactionary Gimmick Driven by Fear, Not Empathy – ADC Fires Back.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

In what appears to be a desperate scramble to douse public anger amid Nigeria’s worsening food crisis, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent pronouncements on food security have been described by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as not only belated but driven by sheer fear of public backlash not empathy for the Nigerian people. While the President now talks tough about declaring food as a national emergency, the ADC has boldly called out this so-called reform agenda as a reactionary measure borne out of panic and not patriotism.

Nigerians are not fooled by press statements or cosmetic committee formations. They are HUNGRY. They are ANGRY. And above all, they are tired of being treated as STATISTICAL FOOTNOTES while the ruling elite feed fat on their agony. The skyrocketing prices of basic food items (garri, rice, beans, yam and even sachet water) have reached astronomical levels under this administration. This is not an ISOLATED MARKET DISTORTION. This is ECONOMIC SABOTAGE by NEGLECT.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), inflation in Nigeria climbed to 34.1% in May 2025, with food inflation surpassing 40%, a devastating record. Over 31 million Nigerians, according to the United Nations World Food Programme, face acute food insecurity. These are not abstract numbers. They are your neighbors, family members and colleagues skipping meals or relying on charity to stay alive.

Yet, for almost two years since assuming office, Tinubu failed to prioritize agriculture beyond policy papers. His administration’s obsession with neoliberal economic theories (from fuel subsidy removal to currency floating) has compounded rural poverty, destroyed purchasing power and dismantled any existing structure for agricultural resilience. Now, when the streets begin to simmer with rage and the organized labour threatens more strikes, the President suddenly ‘discovers’ food security?

The African Democratic Congress is right in calling out the President’s food emergency declaration as fear-induced. The ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, minced no words recently:

“A government that ignored farmers, refused to support rural infrastructure and watched as bandits chased thousands of agricultural workers from their land cannot now pretend to care about food security. Tinubu is reacting to fear, not responding with empathy.”

This statement is not mere political rhetoric. The reality on the ground confirms that Tinubu’s food reforms are cosmetic, reactive and fundamentally disconnected from the lived realities of Nigerians.

SECURITY and AGRICULTURE: A Broken Link
Perhaps the greatest irony of Tinubu’s food security posturing is his failure to secure the rural economy. More than 12 million Nigerians have been displaced since 2009 due to insecurity, especially in the Middle Belt and northern regions, the country’s agricultural backbone. Bandits, terrorists and herders operate with impunity while farmers abandon their lands.

Dr. Akinyemi Olabode, an agricultural economist at the University of Ibadan, recently noted:

“You cannot talk about food security in a war zone. The real food security policy should begin with guaranteeing physical safety for farmers. Until then, these reforms are academic exercises.”

Rather than increase investment in agro-policing or community farming protection schemes, Tinubu’s government has consistently slashed the budgets of the Ministry of Agriculture while spending billions on luxury foreign trips, meaningless jamborees and inflated solar panels for Aso Rock.

Where Was Tinubu When Farmers Cried?
When farmers across Benue, Zamfara, Kaduna, Plateau and parts of Delta State cried out over the loss of farmland and attacks by armed herdsmen, where was Tinubu? When rice and maize associations demanded subsidized inputs and protection against imported produce, where was his empathy?

Instead of responding to the agricultural sector with strategic foresight, the President continued to parade imported technocrats with zero practical knowledge of local food systems. Policies like the so-called “GREEN IMPERATIVE” and MECHANIZED AGRICULTURE BLUEPRINT were mere buzzwords without budgetary backing. The Anchor Borrowers Programme, which had shown some promise under past administrations, was left in bureaucratic limbo.

ADC’s Bold Alternative Vision.
In contrast, the ADC has consistently championed a grassroots-centered approach to food security. The party advocates for a Food Sovereignty Act that would protect local farmers, enhance state-level ago-cooperatives and legalize land ownership rights for smallholders. Rather than depend on private profiteers or foreign donors, the ADC calls for direct community budgeting and a return to Nigeria’s rich agrarian heritage.

“We must move beyond press releases and fight food poverty like we fought Ebola or COVID-19,” says ADC spokesperson, Hon. Adaobi Onyekachi. “Food is not just an economic issue; it is a national survival issue. A hungry population cannot be loyal, peaceful or productive.”

The ADC further accused Tinubu of failing to engage agricultural unions, rural communities or academic think tanks before hastily declaring a state of emergency. This top-down leadership style, the party argues, has always resulted in policy failure; from the fuel subsidy chaos to the botched student loan scheme.

Lip Service vs. Real Policy.
In practical terms, Tinubu’s food policy lacks substance. There is no clear IMPLEMENTATION ROAD MAP. No RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE BUDGET. No POST-HARVEST PRESERVATION or LOGISTICS plan. No MONITORING AGENCY with actual teeth. Declaring emergency is one thing. Translating it into sustainable food pricing, availability and affordability is quite another.

Moreover, the government’s continued failure to regulate the activities of middlemen and commodity hoarders remains a key driver of food inflation. Without breaking the monopolies of urban market cartels and empowering producer cooperatives, farmers will remain poor and food prices will keep soaring.

Public Sentiment: Tinubu’s Growing Disconnect.
Public opinion is rapidly shifting against the President. Many Nigerians now see him as arrogant, disconnected and elitist. The ADC’s rebuke taps into this public frustration. It reflects a growing consensus that Tinubu’s administration is out of touch with grassroots pain and more concerned about international image than national dignity.

“We voted for renewed hope. What we got is renewed hunger,” says Ngozi Ede, a Lagos market trader. “Every day my capital shrinks, my customers cry and Tinubu is still flying abroad talking about investment. If we die of hunger, who will invest in a graveyard?”

In Retrospect: Nigeria Needs Empathy, Not Emergency Rhetoric.
The time has passed for performative governance. Nigerians demand real empathy, not emergency declarations rooted in fear of revolt. Food security cannot be achieved through fear-driven policy announcements. It requires bold, inclusive and honest leadership qualities sorely missing in the Tinubu presidency.

The ADC has rightly exposed the hollow nature of this food security charade. Nigeria deserves a government that does not wait for protests to feed its people. A government that leads with compassion, not coercion. One that plans ahead, listens to its farmers, respects its poor and sees every hungry child as a national failure, not a political liability.

Tinubu may have declared food a national emergency, but Nigerians already know; HUNGER became a national tragedy the day leadership forgot its PEOPLE.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

society

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

Published

15 hours ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

society

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Published

24 hours ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.

society

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

Published

1 day ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Oyo State wing of the union described the situation as increasingly distressing, particularly following the emergence of a video allegedly released by the abductors showing the victims pleading for their freedom.

The union said the footage had heightened fears over the welfare of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their ordeal as heartbreaking and unacceptable.

According to the NUT, no child or teacher deserves to be subjected to such traumatic experiences, adding that the prolonged captivity of the victims has continued to inflict psychological pain on their families, colleagues and the wider education community.

The union called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate and safe release of the victims.

“This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers,” the statement read.

While acknowledging ongoing interventions by security agencies and government authorities, the union stressed that time was of the essence, warning that every additional day in captivity deepens the trauma suffered by the victims.

The NUT urged security operatives to strengthen surveillance, improve community intelligence gathering and deploy all necessary operational and diplomatic measures to facilitate the rescue of the abductees.

It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support rescue efforts by providing credible information that could assist security agencies.

“The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority,” the union stated.

Reaffirming its support for the families of the victims, the NUT pledged continued solidarity and prayers while advocating safer learning environments across the country.

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State NUT, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode.