Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has raised the alarm over the failure of President Bola Tinubu’s government to account for the N10 billion approved for Ebola preparedness.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the failure exposed a dangerous breakdown in the government’s response.
Recall that on Tuesday, the Federal Government confirmed one case of Ebola in Abuja.
Reacting, Atiku warned against using the outbreak to suppress political activities and discourage Nigerians from voting.
He said, “Ebola is a grave public health threat. Nigerians deserve urgent action, competent leadership and the truth. Instead, the first confirmed case in Abuja has exposed unanswered questions about preparedness, surveillance and the protection of health workers. Tinubu must account for the ₦10 billion he said would be released immediately in June.
“Where is the money? Publish the amount actually disbursed, the dates of payment, every contract awarded, every recipient and every item delivered. If the money was not released, Tinubu must explain why he announced emergency funding that never reached the people responsible for protecting Nigerians. A press statement cannot replace an audit.
“The timeline is damning. The patient arrived in Nigeria on October 5, developed symptoms on October 7 and sought care at a private hospital on October 11. The government did not confirm the case publicly until October 20, nine days after she sought care. During that critical period, 44 close contacts were left unmonitored, while private health workers faced the case without adequate protective equipment. This is a failure of preparedness with potentially grave consequences.”
