Atiku Abubakar urges National Assembly to investigate N210bn budget duplication in 2026 Appropriation Act
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the National Assembly to identify officials responsible for alleged N210bn duplicated and overlapping allocations in the 2026 Appropriation Act. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, also demanded an immediate forensic investigation into the budget, citing what he described as deepening fiscal indiscipline under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He stated that these reported duplications, alongside Nigeria's poor performance on global prosperity indicators, expose a fiscally reckless administration. In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that these revelations undermine government claims of economic stability through reforms. He maintained that a government asking citizens to endure hardship must demonstrate fiscal discipline, contrasting this with a budget he claims is "riddled with duplication, questionable insertions, overlapping projects and expenditures that offend both common sense and fiscal responsibility." Atiku also criticized the administration's handling of fuel subsidy, alleging that ₦7.13tn was spent under "Energy security expenses" in 2024, which he believes is a continuation of the petrol subsidy under a different name. He warned that such practices compromise the national budget's integrity, erode investor confidence, and weaken public trust. Atiku urged the National Assembly to conduct a comprehensive forensic
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Zacchaeus Olatunde, one of the teachers rescued after 56 days in captivity in Oyo State, stated that their abductors released them before security personnel escorted them home. During a telephone interview, Olatunde recounted the ordeal of teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area. He mentioned that captives were blindfolded throughout their captivity and could not determine their location. The abductors communicated in Hausa, Nupe, English, and Yoruba, identifying themselves as members of the Islamic State West Africa Province, not Boko Haram. Olatunde described conditions where they were fed twice daily with rice, beans, onions, margarine, and salt, but were unable to bathe or wash clothes for 56 days. Initially, prayer was prohibited, but later allowed with restrictions on mentioning Jesus or praying aloud. Their release was unexpected, with the commander informing them they were free. Olatunde, who was the last to leave due to a broken handcuff key, was directed by the commander to the correct route after attempting to follow others. The former captives trekked for about an hour before motorcycles provided by the kidnappers took them closer to a village, followed by another 1.5 hours of trekking to meet security personnel. They initially feared the security personnel due to their Hausa language and the buses lacking number plates and having Arabic inscriptions. Olatunde also shared how he helped younger pupils cross rivers and how his arthr
Child health experts are cautioning parents against bathing babies and children with cold water, particularly during Nigeria's rainy season, due to risks of hypothermia and increased susceptibility to infections. Dr. Abdurrazzaq Alege, Head of Paediatrics at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, explained that babies lose heat faster than adults and are vulnerable to hypothermia in cold environments. While cold water does not directly cause pneumonia, it can weaken a child's immunity or trigger complications for those with underlying conditions like asthma and sickle cell disease. Dr. Ayodele Renner, a Consultant Paediatrician, added that a drop in body temperature stresses a child's system, affecting feeding, growth, and overall well-being. Both experts recommend using lukewarm water, ensuring a warm room, and immediately drying and covering the baby after bathing. They also dismissed the belief that cold water strengthens babies as unfounded.
Former Super Eagles and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi believes Stanley Nwabali's return to South African club Chippa United could lead to his recall to the national team. Akpeyi stated that Nwabali's absence from the Super Eagles squad was primarily due to a lack of regular club football, not a decline in ability. Nwabali was Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, helping the team reach the final, and remained number one through the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. However, he has not played for the national team since leaving Chippa United by mutual consent in February, missing recent campaigns and friendlies. Akpeyi emphasized Nwabali's proven quality for Nigeria, stating, "He has been excellent, absolutely excellent. Faultless for Nigeria. He has taken them to places." Akpeyi explained that being unattached to a team makes national team invitations difficult. He added that Nwabali's decision to return to Chippa United, where he began his career, offers him the best chance to regain form and earn the trust of the coaches. Nwabali aims to establish himself at Chippa United as the 2026/27 South African Premiership season starts on August 1, with an eye on Nigeria's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign beginning in September.