Nigerian opposition party leader Atiku Abubakar has condemned what he calls a "disgraceful track record" of opacity in handling corruption cases. Atiku, a former vice president, voiced his concerns following recent allegations of budget padding amounting to N3 trillion by Senator Abdul Ningi.
Atiku pointed to unresolved scandals, such as the $3.3 billion NNPC loan repayment controversy, which has ballooned to a staggering $12 billion repayment burden for Nigeria.
These criticisms come amidst a backdrop of heightened scrutiny over the alleged budget padding, despite the Senate's dismissal of Ningi's claims and subsequent suspension.
Bayo Onanuga, the spokesperson for Tinubu, refuted Ningi's allegations, but concerns persist as corruption scandals continue to surface under Tinubu's leadership. Earlier incidents, including the swift suspension of Minister Betta Edu over corruption allegations and exposés revealing fraudulent activities within government agencies, have cast doubt on Tinubu's commitment to combating corruption.
Despite promises of investigations, little action has been taken, leaving Nigerians questioning the administration's integrity and accountability. As the political landscape evolves in anticipation of the upcoming presidential race, Atiku's accusations add fuel to ongoing debates surrounding governance and transparency in Nigerian politics.
