El-Rufai alleges illegal N100bn monthly deduction from Federation Account, calls for Tinubu’s impeachment

 

Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of allegedly authorising the monthly deduction of N100 billion from the Federation Account without constitutional approval.

El-Rufai made the allegation during an interview on Prime Time, a current affairs programme on Arise Television, where he described the action as unconstitutional and deserving of impeachment.

According to him, the alleged deductions have been ongoing for more than 15 months, amounting to about N1.5 trillion.

He insisted that the funds were withdrawn without appropriation by the National Assembly or the State Houses of Assembly, noting that part of the money in the Federation Account belongs to the states and must be duly approved by their respective legislatures.

“These are government figures; I am not speculating,” El-Rufai said. “Every month, N100 billion is taken from the Federation Account without appropriation. That process is unconstitutional and qualifies as an impeachable offence.”

He questioned the utilisation of the funds, particularly in light of the worsening security situation across the country.

“Where has the N1.5 trillion gone? What has it been used for? Why is insecurity deteriorating, and why is the government now asking communities to defend themselves?” he asked.

Reflecting on campaign promises made ahead of the 2023 general election, El-Rufai expressed disappointment with the current state of affairs.

“If anyone had told me in 2022 or 2023 that things would get this bad, I would not have believed it,” he added.

The Presidency has yet to respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.