Former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has said that the disturbing revelations by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, a senior senator of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), have exposed the dangerous consequences of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s fiscal mismanagement and help explain, in part, why insecurity continues to consume lives across Nigeria.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku, who bears the revered traditional title of Zege Mule U Tiv II—the Great Shelter and Protective Umbrella of the Tiv Nation—said he could not remain silent while innocent Nigerians continue to perish under a government that appears to have normalised bloodshed.

He recalled that on 27 May 2001, while serving as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Tiv Area Traditional Council, under the late Tor Tiv IV, His Royal Majesty Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula, bestowed on him the title of Zege Mule U Tiv II, 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,” the former VP said.

Atiku said Senator Monguno’s intervention has vindicated what the opposition has consistently maintained for months.

“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 stated.

“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.”

The former Vice President said that if security agencies are denied the funds appropriated by law to procure equipment, strengthen intelligence, improve logistics and support operations, government cannot escape responsibility for the consequences.

“Every massacre should compel Nigerians to ask one simple question: were our security agencies given the resources approved by law to prevent it?,” the ADC presidential candidate said.

“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?”

Atiku noted that since the Tinubu administration assumed office, independent conflict monitors have estimated that well over 17,000 Nigerians have lost their lives in violent attacks, while thousands more have been 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.

He said it was ironic that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who built much of his political identity on criticising President Goodluck Jonathan over insecurity, now presides over 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,” Atiku stated.

“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 said the philosophy behind Zege Mule U Tiv II is the exact opposite of such indifference.

“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 pointed out.

“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.”

The former Vice President said an ADC administration under his leadership would fundamentally reform Nigeria’s security architecture.

“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,” he added.

“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.”

Atiku concluded that the honour bestowed upon him by the Tiv people remains a daily reminder of what leadership should represent.

“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,” he said.

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