Former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has said that the disturbing revelations by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, a senior senator of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), have exposed the dangerous consequences of the Tinubu administration’s fiscal mismanagement and help explain, in part, why insecurity continues to consume lives across Nigeria.
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In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku — who bears the revered traditional title of Zege Mule U Tiv II, the Great Shelter and Protective Umbrella of the Tiv Nation — said he could not remain silent while innocent Nigerians continue to perish under a government that appears to have normalised bloodshed.
‘Sacred covenant’ of leadership
He recalled that on 27 May 2001, while serving as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Tiv Area Traditional Council, under the late Tor Tiv IV, His Royal Majesty Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula, bestowed on him the title of Zege Mule U Tiv II, one of the highest honours in Tivland.
“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.
It is a constant reminder that the first duty of leadership is not power, but protection,” Atiku said.
Investigations by Ejes Gist News reveal that Senator Monguno’s intervention has vindicated what the opposition has consistently maintained for months, according to Atiku.
Senator’s questions vindicate opposition
“For months, the APC dismissed every concern raised by the opposition about budget implementation, security funding and fiscal opacity as politics. Today, one of its own ranking senators has asked the very questions Nigerians have been asking.
“Senator Monguno did not merely question budget implementation. He questioned why duly enacted budgets are allegedly not being faithfully implemented. He questioned why trillions of naira generated by the Federation are reportedly being retained instead of being distributed in accordance with the Constitution. Most disturbing of all, he questioned why critical security agencies have reportedly not received capital releases despite the worsening security crisis confronting our nation.
“These are not allegations from the opposition. They are grave constitutional questions raised by a distinguished senator of the ruling party,” Atiku said.
The former Vice President said that if security agencies are denied the funds appropriated by law to procure equipment, strengthen intelligence, improve logistics and support operations, government cannot escape responsibility for the consequences.
“Every massacre should compel Nigerians to ask one simple question: were our security agencies given the resources approved by law to prevent it?
“How do you expect our gallant security personnel to defeat terrorists, bandits and kidnappers when those responsible for equipping them are allegedly withholding the very funds appropriated for that purpose?”
Atiku noted that since the Tinubu administration assumed office, independent conflict monitors have estimated that well over 17,000 Nigerians have lost their lives in violent attacks, while thousands more have been abducted by terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
‘Not mere statistics’
“These are not mere statistics. They are fathers, mothers, children, farmers, students and breadwinners whose lives have been cut short. Behind every number is a family condemned to a lifetime of grief,” he said.
According to Ejes Gist News, Atiku said it was ironic that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who built much of his political identity on criticising President Goodluck Jonathan over insecurity, now presides over an even more troubling security situation.
“As an opposition leader, President Tinubu repeatedly declared that the first responsibility of any government was the protection of lives and property,” Atiku added.
The statement concluded with Atiku’s call for urgent action, warning that the silence of the government in the face of these revelations would only deepen the crisis.
