Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Bola Tinubu administration of fiscal mismanagement, saying recent revelations by a senior lawmaker of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have exposed why Nigeria’s security crisis continues to spiral.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, and made available to The News Chronicle, Atiku said comments by APC Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno had validated the opposition’s long-standing concerns over budget implementation, security funding, and fiscal transparency.
Atiku said he could not remain silent while innocent Nigerians continued to lose their lives under what he described as a government that had normalised bloodshed.
The former vice president, who holds the traditional Tiv title of Zege Mule U Tiv (Great Shelter and Protective Umbrella of the Tiv Nation), said the honour bestowed on him in 2001 by the Tiv Area Traditional Council was a constant reminder that leadership is about protecting lives.
“The title was never meant to be an ornament. It is a sacred covenant that leadership must provide shelter in moments of fear, protection in times of danger and hope when communities come under attack,” he said.
According to Atiku, Senator Monguno’s intervention raises serious constitutional questions about the Tinubu administration’s handling of public finances.
He noted that the APC senator questioned why approved budgets were allegedly not being fully implemented, why trillions of naira generated by the Federation were reportedly being retained instead of distributed in line with constitutional provisions, and why critical security agencies had allegedly not received capital releases despite the country’s worsening insecurity.
“These are not allegations from the opposition. They are grave constitutional questions raised by a distinguished senator of the ruling party,” Atiku stated.
He argued that if security agencies were being denied funds appropriated by law for intelligence gathering, logistics, equipment, and operations, then the government could not evade responsibility for the country’s deteriorating security situation.
“Every massacre should compel Nigerians to ask one simple question: Were our security agencies given the resources approved by law to prevent it?” he asked.
Atiku further alleged that since President Tinubu assumed office, independent conflict monitors have estimated that more than 17,000 Nigerians have been killed in violent attacks, while thousands of others have been abducted by terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups.
“These are not mere statistics. They are fathers, mothers, children, farmers, students and breadwinners whose lives have been cut short,” he said.
The former vice president also accused Tinubu of failing to meet the standards he demanded as an opposition leader under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He said Tinubu, who frequently criticised Jonathan over insecurity, now presides over an even more troubling security situation.
“Nigerians are asking him to meet the same standard he demanded of others. Sadly, what they have witnessed instead is what many now describe as a ‘Sidon Look’ Presidency—one that appears content to issue condolences after every massacre instead of preventing the next one,” Atiku said.
Outlining his security agenda, Atiku pledged that an ADC-led government would ensure prompt release and accountability of all security funds, strengthen intelligence-led policing, deploy modern surveillance technology, improve border security, enhance inter-agency collaboration, fully equip security personnel, and establish community-based early warning systems.
He also promised to tackle the economic drivers of insecurity through job creation, agricultural revival, and expanded opportunities for young Nigerians while maintaining what he described as zero tolerance for terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and their sponsors.
Atiku said the traditional title conferred on him by the Tiv people remains a daily reminder that leadership is defined by protection, not power.
“Nigeria does not need a President who merely mourns the dead after every massacre. Nigeria needs a President who protects the living,” he said.
