Former Vice president and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the country’s security challenges, linking the worsening insecurity to its spending priorities and budget implementation.
Atiku, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the reported killing of 5,091 people in violent incidents over a three-month period should compel the government to take stronger measures to protect citizens.
The former vice-president questioned whether government resources were being effectively deployed to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
He also expressed concern over delays and gaps in the implementation of appropriations for defence and security, warning that such shortcomings could undermine the ability of the military and other security agencies to respond effectively to threats.
“These figures are the human cost of every padded budget, every frivolous expenditure and every failure to fully implement funds appropriated for critical national priorities,” Atiku said.
Atiku Calls for Better Funding of Security Agencies
Atiku welcomed the recently announced increase in the salaries of military personnel but argued that improved pay alone would not be enough to boost the morale and effectiveness of troops.
He said soldiers also needed adequate equipment, operational funding, timely allowances and better welfare for themselves and their families.
“Our soldiers deserve better pay, but morale is about much more than salaries.
“They require adequate equipment, operational funding, timely allowances, proper welfare for their families and the assurance that the government they defend is as committed to their mission as they are,” he said.
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The ADC presidential candidate called for greater attention to defence spending and improved implementation of approved allocations.
He also urged the government to cut what he described as unnecessary expenditure and redirect resources towards critical national priorities, particularly security.
‘Protecting Lives is Government’s Responsibility’
Atiku urged the administration to intensify efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime across the country.
He said the reported death toll should not be treated as merely a statistic, stressing that each death represented a family and community affected by insecurity.
He further stressed that, protecting the lives and property of citizens remains one of the fundamental responsibilities of government, making the country’s worsening security situation an issue that requires urgent attention.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.