Tinubu Govt’s Failure To Fund Security Agencies Fueling Killings Across Nigeria — Atiku

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has blamed the alleged withholding of appropriated security funds for the worsening insecurity in Nigeria, claiming that more than 17,000 Nigerians have been killed since President Bola Tinubu assumed office.

Atiku, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said recent comments by All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno had validated concerns previously raised by the opposition over budget implementation and security funding.

He argued that Monguno’s remarks exposed what he described as the consequences of the Tinubu administration’s fiscal management, particularly its impact on the country’s security situation.

According to Atiku, independent conflict monitors have recorded over 17,000 deaths from violent attacks since the administration came into power, with thousands of others abducted by terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.

“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.

The former vice president said Monguno’s comments raised questions about the implementation of the national budget and the release of funds allocated for security operations.

He alleged that the senator questioned why approved budgets were not being fully implemented, why some federation revenues were allegedly being withheld, and why security agencies had reportedly not received capital releases despite the worsening security situation.

“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,” Atiku said.

He maintained that the concerns were not merely opposition claims but constitutional issues raised by a member of the ruling party.

Atiku further argued that failure to release funds meant for security equipment, intelligence operations, logistics and other activities had contributed to the inability of security agencies to effectively tackle criminal activities.

He also criticised President Tinubu’s approach to insecurity, saying it was ironic that the President, who often criticised former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration over security challenges while in opposition, was now overseeing a government that allegedly responds to attacks rather than preventing them.

Referencing his traditional title, Zege Mule U Tiv II, Atiku said leadership requires protecting vulnerable communities.

“A Zege Mule does not watch from a distance while his people are under attack. He becomes their shield. He stands between them and danger. He provides refuge in moments of fear,” he said.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate also outlined what he described as the security priorities of an ADC administration, promising reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture.

He pledged that an ADC government would ensure the timely release and accountability of security funds, strengthen intelligence-led policing, deploy modern surveillance technology, improve border security, enhance coordination among security agencies, equip security personnel and establish community-based early warning systems.

“Nigeria does not need a president who merely mourns the dead after every massacre. Nigeria needs a president who protects the living,” Atiku said.