The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday accused the President Bola Tinubu administration of fiscal mismanagement, alleging that poor funding of security agencies had contributed to the worsening insecurity across the country.
Atiku, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said recent remarks by APC Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno had reinforced concerns repeatedly raised by the opposition over the implementation of the national budget and funding of security institutions.
The former Vice President claimed that the Borno North lawmaker's comments raised serious constitutional questions about the implementation of appropriated funds, particularly allocations meant for security agencies battling terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
According to him, withholding funds approved by the National Assembly for security operations would undermine the capacity of security agencies to procure equipment, improve intelligence gathering and strengthen operations against criminal groups.
Atiku argued that the continued loss of lives across the country should prompt Nigerians to question whether security agencies were receiving the funds appropriated for them by law.
"Senator Monguno did not merely question budget implementation. He questioned why duly approved budgets were allegedly not being faithfully implemented and why security agencies reportedly had not received critical capital releases despite the country's worsening security challenges. These are constitutional concerns raised by a senior member of the ruling party, not the opposition," he said.
The former Vice President further alleged that more than 17,000 Nigerians had been killed in violent attacks since the Tinubu administration assumed office, while thousands of others had been abducted by terrorists and bandits.
He also criticised Tinubu's handling of insecurity, recalling that the President had consistently faulted the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan over security challenges while in the opposition.
According to Atiku, Nigerians now expect Tinubu to meet the same standards he demanded of previous administrations by taking decisive steps to protect lives and property instead of reacting after attacks have occurred.
The ADC presidential candidate pledged that, if elected, his administration would prioritise timely release of security funds, improve intelligence-led policing, deploy modern surveillance technology, strengthen border security, enhance inter-agency collaboration and invest in community-based early warning systems.
He added that his administration would also address the economic causes of insecurity through job creation, agricultural revival and expanded opportunities for young Nigerians while maintaining a hardline stance against terrorists, kidnappers and their sponsors.
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