Timi Frank seeks probe of defence budget spending

Timi Frank, former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has faulted the management of Nigeria’s defence budget, accusing the federal government of mismanaging resources meant for the nation’s security forces.

In a statement, Frank expressed concern over the persistent killings across the country, including the recent deaths of soldiers in Borno after an attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

He described the situation as a national tragedy and urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately sack the service chiefs, saying the current security leadership has failed to protect citizens.

“Our soldiers and policemen are dying in large numbers due to poor funding and lack of proper equipment,” the statement reads.

“Despite massive budgetary allocations to the security sector, the funds do not reach the men and women on the front lines, nor are they used to purchase the right equipment needed to combat insecurity.”

Frank said Nigerians are being killed “like chickens” daily across the north, south, east, and west, adding that the country’s security architecture has collapsed under the current administration.

He commended US President Donald Trump and Senator Ted Cruz for speaking out against the incessant killings in Nigeria, saying their actions have drawn international attention to the crisis.

“We commend President Donald Trump for his concern and moral courage in speaking against the killings of Nigerians,” he said.

“We equally commend Senator Ted Cruz for lending his voice to these injustices. Their actions have helped to break the silence of our political class, especially those in the ruling party.”

Frank also urged the U.S. government and other international partners to pressure Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

“This administration cannot continue to negotiate with terrorists while detaining innocent and peaceful Nigerians,” he said.

“We therefore call on the international community, especially the U.S. government, to intervene and pressurise President Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu immediately.”

He also lauded activist Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), for his persistent call for Kanu’s release.