Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has made explosive allegations against President Bola Tinubu, claiming that the Tinubu-led administration has been unlawfully deducting ₦100 billion every month from the Federation Account for over a year without legislative approval.
El-Rufai described this ongoing action as unconstitutional and grounds for impeachment.
Details of the Allegation
El-Rufai asserted that these staggering monthly deductions purportedly earmarked for security agencies have failed to improve national security, raising suspicions about the legitimacy and actual use of these funds. According to him, the withdrawals have taken place over the past 15 months and bypassed both the National Assembly and state legislatures, violating constitutional requirements for fiscal transparency and accountability.
- ₦100 billion allegedly deducted monthly
- Deductions lack approval from legislative bodies
- Supposedly for security, but no visible improvement observed
- El-Rufai calls the practice impeachable and unconstitutional
Broader Context
El-Rufai’s accusations have intensified a wave of criticism being directed at the Tinubu administration. Earlier, he branded Tinubu’s government as the most corrupt and dishonest in Nigeria’s history, accusing it of failing to address economic decline, rising insecurity, and plummeting living standards.
There are also ongoing public debates about President Tinubu’s sources of wealth and alleged financial misconduct by officials in his government. International and local observers, including the Financial Times, have raised alarms about large-scale corruption, including oil theft amounting to billions and ongoing fiscal mismanagement, while millions of Nigerians struggle with poverty.
Political Reactions
El-Rufai’s statements have sparked outrage and skepticism across the political spectrum. Many Nigerians are questioning the sudden intensity of El-Rufai’s criticism, given his previous role in supporting Tinubu’s election. Others see the allegations as a much-needed call for transparency and accountability.
Some political commentators caution that the accusations, if substantiated, could escalate into a constitutional crisis or lead to calls for Tinubu’s impeachment. The controversy also comes amid heightened national frustration over insecurity and economic hardship, with critics demanding urgent reforms and a genuine anti-corruption effort from the presidency.
