The Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has come under fire from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for allegedly approving a $9 million contract for lobbying services in the US.
The party accused the government of attempting to “launder its image abroad” while insecurity and economic hardship continue to worsen domestically, reports Vanguard.
The expense, according to a statement from ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, is a manifestation of misaligned priorities at a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling to pay for basic necessities and many have been slaughtered.
“Instead of addressing the growing security and economic crises at home, the African Democratic Congress condemns the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration for using limited public resources to launder its battered image abroad,” Abdullahi stated.
While it is necessary to promote Nigeria’s interests abroad, he pointed out that it is a “clear case of moral blindness” to spend $9 million on a temporary PR campaign in the face of widespread famine, fuel shortages, and subpar healthcare.
The ADC further contended that the deal exposes a diplomatic failure, citing the fact that important ambassadorial posts are still unfilled, causing the government to hire lobbyists to handle foreign representation.
The statement said, “No amount of image laundering can erase the blood of thousands of Nigerians killed under this administration’s watch.”
Reports that the lobbying effort is being presented as a campaign to “communicate Christian protection efforts” were also criticized by the party, which cautioned that it would worsen sectarian tensions in a nation already split along religious and ethnic lines.
In order to preserve lives, rebuild public confidence in institutions, and tackle Nigeria’s urgent security and economic issues, the ADC called on the federal government to put leadership above propaganda.
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