Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, criticized the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari, alleging that it left Nigeria financially drained upon leaving office.
Speaking at the Chief of Defence Intelligence Annual Conference 2023 in Abuja, Ribadu acknowledged the challenging financial situation but reassured that it wouldn’t impede budgetary allocations for defense, emphasizing the commitment to strengthening the country’s security apparatus.
Addressing the conference attendees, including the Minister of Defence and other key officials, Ribadu admitted to inheriting a dire economic scenario, describing the country as practically bankrupt. Despite budgetary constraints, he affirmed the government’s dedication to managing defense effectively.
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While acknowledging the inherited financial difficulties, Ribadu conveyed confidence in the administration’s efforts to meet the armed forces’ requirements.
The statement follows President Bola Tinubu’s reported expenditure of over $500,000 during a five-day stay in a luxurious New York hotel in September.
Additionally, there’s scrutiny over the proposed N13.5 billion ($16.2 million) allocation for renovating the president’s official residences, raising questions about the necessity given his existing mansion in Lagos.
