Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has alleged that the withholding of appropriated security funds is partly responsible for the deaths of more than 17,000 Nigerians since President Bola Tinubu assumed office, citing recent remarks by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno as validation of concerns previously raised by the opposition.

Atiku made the claims in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, in which he argued that the intervention by the All Progressives Congress (APC) senator exposed what he described as the consequences of the Tinubu administration’s fiscal management and its impact on the country’s worsening security situation.

According to the former vice president, independent conflict monitors have estimated that more than 17,000 Nigerians have been killed in violent attacks since the current administration took 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,” the statement read.

Atiku said Senator Monguno’s comments raised fundamental questions about the implementation of the national budget and the release of funds appropriated for security operations.

He said the senator questioned why duly enacted budgets were allegedly not being faithfully implemented, why revenues generated by the Federation were reportedly being retained instead of being distributed in line with constitutional provisions, and why security agencies had allegedly not received capital releases despite the country’s deteriorating 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 added that the concerns raised by Senator Monguno were not opposition allegations but constitutional issues brought forward by a member of the ruling party.

According to Atiku, if security agencies are denied funds appropriated by law for the procurement of equipment, intelligence gathering, logistics and operational activities, the government cannot avoid responsibility for the consequences.

The former vice president also criticised President Tinubu’s handling of insecurity, saying it was ironic that the President, who frequently criticised former President Goodluck Jonathan over security challenges while in opposition, now presides over what he described as a government that reacts to attacks rather than preventing them.

Referencing his traditional title of Zege Mule U Tiv II, Atiku said the title symbolises leadership that protects 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.

Atiku further outlined what he said would be the priorities of an administration under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), promising to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.

He pledged that an ADC government would ensure the prompt release and accountability of all appropriated security funds, restore intelligence-led policing, deploy modern surveillance technology, strengthen border security, improve coordination among security agencies, adequately equip and motivate security personnel, and establish community-based early warning systems aimed at preventing attacks.

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

The Federal Government has yet to respond to the allegations contained in Atiku’s statement.