A politician from the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Salihu Lukman, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for what he describes as turning a blind eye to the way some state governors misuse public funds.
Lukman, who was once a top member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), said the President continues to release large sums of money to state governments without demanding any real accountability—even when it’s obvious that the money is being misused.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Lukman accused the federal government of encouraging bad behaviour among governors who spend public funds carelessly.
His comments come at a time when many Nigerians are battling rising food prices, lack of jobs, and an economy that feels like it’s hanging by a thread. The pressure on everyday people has worsened since Tinubu introduced a series of economic reforms, including removing petrol subsidy and unifying exchange rates—moves that have caused the naira to lose even more value.
To make matters worse, a recent report from the United States Embassy in Nigeria revealed how some governors have been spending billions of naira renovating government houses and offices—often on luxury items. This is happening while millions of ordinary Nigerians can’t afford to feed their families or pay basic bills.
The US Embassy warned that such careless spending by public officials only deepens the gap between the rich and poor, and makes it harder for citizens to trust the people in charge.
In a country where many are asking tough questions about leadership and priorities, Lukman’s criticism echoes a growing concern: are those in power truly focused on the people, or simply looking after themselves?
