Monguno’s Revelations Exposes Why Nigerians Are Dying Under Tinubu — Atiku

Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has said that recent remarks by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, a senior lawmaker of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), have exposed what he described as the consequences of the Tinubu administration’s fiscal mismanagement, arguing that they help explain why insecurity continues to claim lives across Nigeria.

The position was contained in a statement signed by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, and released on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. In the statement, Atiku said he could not remain silent “while innocent Nigerians continue to perish under a government that appears to have normalised bloodshed.”

According to the former vice president, the revelations by Senator Monguno have vindicated concerns repeatedly raised by the opposition over budget implementation, security funding and fiscal transparency.

“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 added, “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 argued that if security agencies are denied funds appropriated by law for equipment, intelligence, logistics and operations, the government cannot evade responsibility for the resulting security failures.

“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?” he asked.

The former vice president further claimed that independent conflict monitors estimate that more than 17,000 Nigerians have been killed in violent attacks since President Bola Tinubu assumed office, while thousands more 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. Behind every number is a family condemned to a lifetime of grief,” he said.

Atiku also recalled that on May 27, 2001, while serving as vice president, the Tiv Area Traditional Council under the late Tor Tiv IV, His Royal Majesty Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula, conferred on him the traditional title of Zege Mule U Tiv II, which he described as 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,” he said.

The ADC presidential candidate said it was ironic that President Tinubu, who frequently criticised former President Goodluck Jonathan over insecurity while in opposition, now presides over what he described as 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. He spared no criticism of the Jonathan administration whenever terrorists struck.

“Today, 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 stated.

Explaining the significance of his traditional title, he said, “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.

“Throughout my years in public service, I have always believed that leaders must identify personally with victims of tragedy, visit affected communities, comfort grieving families and, above all, build institutions capable of preventing such tragedies from recurring.”

Atiku also outlined what he said would be the priorities of an ADC administration if elected president.

“We will ensure that every naira appropriated for national security is released promptly and accounted for. We will restore intelligence-led policing, deploy modern surveillance technology, strengthen border security, improve inter-agency coordination, fully equip and motivate our security personnel, and establish an effective community-based early warning system to stop attacks before they happen.

“We will also confront the economic drivers of insecurity by creating jobs, reviving agriculture and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, while maintaining zero tolerance for terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and those who finance them,” he said.

Concluding the statement, Atiku said the honour bestowed on him by the Tiv people continues to shape his understanding of leadership.

“The Tiv people entrusted me with the title of Zege Mule U Tiv II because they believe leadership must offer protection in times of danger. That belief has guided my public life, and it will guide my presidency.

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