Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has questioned the Federal Government’s handling of the ₦10 billion reportedly approved for Ebola preparedness, demanding an account of how the funds were used. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) figure said Nigeria’s reported Ebola case had raised concerns about the country’s readiness to respond to the disease.
Atiku called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to publish details of the money disbursed, payment dates, contracts awarded, recipients and items delivered. He argued that if the funds were not released as announced, the government should explain why, adding that a public statement could not replace an independent audit.
The statement also questioned the response timeline, claiming the patient arrived in Nigeria on October 5, developed symptoms two days later and sought treatment at a private hospital on October 11. It further alleged that public confirmation did not come until October 20 and that 44 close contacts remained unmonitored during the period. These claims were presented by Atiku’s camp as evidence of gaps in preparedness and the protection of healthcare workers.
