Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has made explosive allegations against President Bola Tinubu, claiming that the president has been illegally withdrawing ₦100 billion monthly from the Federation Account without constitutional approval or legislative backing.
In a widely circulated interview on Arise TV, El-Rufai asserted that the unauthorised deductions, which have allegedly continued for over 15 months, amount to a staggering ₦1.5 trillion so far.
“Every month, President Bola Tinubu deducts ₦100 billion from the Federation Account. This is unconstitutional and an impeachable offence,” El-Rufai declared.
Deductions for Security Agencies Amid Rising Insecurity
The former minister stated that the deducted funds are reportedly channelled to security agencies, yet the security situation across the country continues to worsen.
“For the last 12 to 18 months, ₦100 billion is deducted every month from the Federation Account and sent to security agencies. Why then is there no improvement in our security?” he questioned.
El-Rufai emphasised that these deductions lack the necessary approvals from both the National Assembly and State Assemblies, describing the actions as a breach of the Constitution.
“It is without appropriation by the National Assembly, without approval by State Assemblies. This is unconstitutional and constitutes an impeachable offence,” he added.
Tinubu’s Administration Criticised on Security and Development
El-Rufai also compared Nigeria’s current security statistics to the period under former President Muhammadu Buhari, claiming that:
“In 2014, over 2.2 million Nigerians were abducted, and 615,000 killed. Is Nigeria at war? These numbers are worse than Buhari’s eight years.”
On development, El-Rufai accused the Tinubu government of failing to initiate or complete any new federal projects in nearly two years, despite access to higher revenues compared to past administrations.
“Tinubu went to Kaduna to commission projects — 90% of which I executed. No new federal project has been initiated or completed,” he said.
He further alleged that the federal government has weakened its oversight of state projects for political gains:
“Federal oversight of state projects is weak because the president wants all governors to be in the APC.”
Public Reactions
The revelations have sparked widespread debate and outrage, with many Nigerians questioning the transparency and legality of the alleged monthly deductions.
Some commentators expressed scepticism over El-Rufai’s sudden criticisms, pointing out that he previously supported Tinubu’s presidential bid.
As of now, the presidency is yet to officially respond to these weighty allegations.
