The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council and Atiku Abubakar, African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, have clashed over the N10 billion approved by President Bola Tinubu for Ebola preparedness in June.
Atiku has demanded accountability for the funds following the confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja and the identification of 44 close contacts for tracing.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, his director of strategic communication, Atiku demanded details of disbursements, contracts, recipients and items delivered, questioning the government’s preparedness and response.
“Ebola is a grave public health threat. Nigerians deserve urgent action, competent leadership and the truth,” he said.
But Dele Alake, spokesperson for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, accused the former vice-president of politicising a public health emergency and ridiculing the president.
Read also: NEC endorses 90-day action plan to ease cost of living for Nigerians
Alake said the N10 billion remained untouched, arguing that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and other agencies had been using available resources to sustain surveillance.
He said the surveillance network helped alert authorities to the case and facilitated contact tracing.
“A responsible opposition will applaud the Task Force for being responsive. But the Atiku camp always goes for cheap shots at the government,” Alake said.
He urged Atiku and his supporters to avoid politicising the outbreak, stressing that the priority should be protecting Nigerians and preventing further transmission.
Atiku, however, insisted that the government must explain whether the emergency funds were released, arguing that public statements could not substitute for an audit.
Related News
