Atiku Slams Tinubu Presidency, Says Transparency Missing in Corruption Cases

In a scathing critique, Nigerian opposition leader Atiku Abubakar has lambasted President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its “disgraceful track record” of avoiding transparency in corruption matters.

Abubakar, who served as vice president from 1999 to 2023, issued a statement condemning Tinubu’s government’s handling of corruption issues, particularly in light of recent allegations of budget padding amounting to over N3 trillion by the Senate.

“The current federal government has a disgraceful track record of ignoring issues of transparency and due process in public administration,” remarked Abubakar, highlighting the unresolved $3.3 billion NNPC loan repayment scandal as a prime example.

Abubakar’s criticism comes on the heels of Senator Abdul Ningi’s claims regarding the padding of the 2023 budget. Although the Senate refuted Ningi’s allegations and suspended him for three months, public concern persists, demanding a thorough investigation.

Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for Tinubu, dismissed Ningi’s accusations, but they add to a growing list of corruption incidents under Tinubu’s watch. Earlier this year, Tinubu suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, over corruption allegations related to the misappropriation of funds intended for poverty alleviation programs.

Furthermore, revelations have exposed Chief of Naval Staff Emmanuel Ogalla’s involvement in Nigerian crude bunkering and multibillion-naira contract-splitting fraud. Despite promises from Tinubu’s government to investigate Ogalla, no action has been taken since the Gazette’s expose.

As Nigerians continue to demand accountability and transparency, Tinubu’s presidency faces mounting pressure to address these allegations and uphold the principles of good governance.