Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately sign the Federal Audit Service Bill, saying failure to do so would raise fresh doubts about his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
According to Daily Post, Atiku made the call while reacting to the controversy surrounding the alleged ₦8.8 trillion in unaccounted public funds. The ongoing Presidential Fiscal and Public Institutions Committee (PFIPC) allegations. He insisted that the President should either assent to the legislation or step down from office.
The former vice president made his position known through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu. He argued that delaying the Federal Audit Service Bill sends the wrong signal to Nigerians who are demanding greater accountability in public resources.
Atiku maintained that the proposed law would strengthen the independence of the Office of the Auditor-General. He added that the legislation would also improve financial oversight across government institutions and help prevent the misuse of public funds.
Furthermore, he claimed that signing the Federal Audit Service Bill would reinforce public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. According to him, the bill is designed to promote transparency and ensure that government spending is subjected to stronger independent scrutiny.
The opposition leader also linked his demand to recent allegations involving about ₦8.8 trillion in unaccounted government expenditure. He argued that the claims have intensified public concerns and require a transparent investigation backed by stronger auditing institutions.
In addition, Atiku referred to the PFIPC controversy, saying the latest developments have further exposed the need for independent financial oversight. He stressed that stronger institutions remain essential to safeguarding public funds and restoring trust in government.
According to him, the Federal Audit Service Bill provides the legal framework needed to strengthen audit processes and improve accountability across federal agencies. He argued that delaying the bill only fuels public suspicion about the government’s willingness to embrace transparency.
However, Atiku insisted that the issue goes beyond politics. He said Nigerians deserve clear explanations on how public funds are managed and why allegations involving trillions of naira continue to generate national concern.
He also argued that signing the Federal Audit Service Bill would demonstrate genuine political will to combat corruption. In his view, stronger auditing powers would help identify financial irregularities, encourage prudent spending and improve public sector accountability.
Meanwhile, Atiku urged the Tinubu administration to act without further delay. He said approving the legislation would reassure citizens that the government remains committed to openness, fiscal discipline and responsible governance.
Therefore, he maintained that refusing to sign the Federal Audit Service Bill would undermine public confidence in the administration’s anti-corruption agenda.
He concluded that Nigerians expect decisive leadership at a time when questions continue to surround public spending. According to Atiku, signing the bill would represent an important step toward strengthening accountability and protecting public resources.
