Atiku Abubakar Questions Tinubu's Cash Transfer Program

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned President Bola Tinubu's household cash transfer program, referring to it as an "audio palliative." His remarks, made on Saturday, September 5, through Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication Phrank Shaibu, were in response to audit findings questioning the government's social intervention spending. Auditor-General Shaakaa Chira raised concerns about ₦33.75 billion claimed as payments to 3.29 million vulnerable households, which equates to approximately ₦10,258 per household.

Atiku highlighted that this amount is inadequate given the current economic conditions. The audit also flagged ₦36.74 billion in payments made without pre-payment audits and ₦4.62 billion lacking payment vouchers.

Atiku announced plans to establish an independent group of financial experts to review the cash transfer records and called for accountability, stating that any official found diverting funds should face prosecution. He challenged President Tinubu directly, asking, "WHERE IS THE POOR MAN'S MONEY?".