Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Federal Government of failing to release appropriated security funds, alleging that the delay has contributed to the deaths of more than 17,000 Nigerians since President Bola Tinubu assumed office.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) said recent remarks by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, a senior member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), validated concerns previously raised by the opposition regarding the implementation of security-related budgets.
According to Atiku, Senator Monguno’s comments highlighted serious concerns about the management of public finances and the funding of security operations.
He said the senator questioned why budgets approved by the National Assembly were allegedly not being fully implemented, why federation revenues were reportedly being withheld instead of distributed in line with constitutional provisions, and why security agencies had allegedly not received capital releases despite worsening insecurity across the country.
Atiku argued that these concerns could no longer be dismissed as opposition criticism because they originated from a serving APC senator.
The former Vice President stated that independent conflict monitoring groups estimate that more than 17,000 Nigerians have lost their lives to violent attacks since the current administration came into office, while thousands of others have been kidnapped by terrorists, bandits and other armed groups.
He said the figures represented real families and communities devastated by violence. According to him, every casualty reflects the loss of parents, children, farmers, students and breadwinners whose deaths continue to leave lasting social and economic consequences.
Atiku maintained that if security agencies are unable to access funds already approved by law for intelligence gathering, logistics, equipment procurement and operational support, the government must accept responsibility for the consequences.
He argued that inadequate funding weakens the capacity of security agencies to respond effectively to growing security challenges. The former Vice President also criticised President Tinubu’s handling of insecurity, contrasting it with the criticisms the President directed at former President Goodluck Jonathan while in opposition.
Atiku, who holds the traditional title Zege Mule U Tiv II, said the role symbolises protecting people during difficult times rather than remaining passive in the face of danger. He pledged that an ADC-led administration would overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture by ensuring that all funds appropriated for national security are released promptly and transparently accounted for.
He also promised to strengthen intelligence-led policing, deploy modern surveillance technology, improve border security, enhance coordination among security agencies, provide better equipment and welfare for security personnel, and establish effective community-based early warning systems aimed at preventing attacks before they occur.
The Federal Government has not issued a response to Atiku’s latest allegations at the time of reporting.
