American professor tackles Tinubu over $2.8bn budget request for bulletproof cars for himself, wife

American Professor, Steve Hanke has described President Tinubu-led government as a waste following the approval of $2.8bn for "extra funding" by the Nigerian lawmakers.

On Thursday, November 2, the lawmakers approved President Bola Tinubu's $2.8bn supplementary budget that includes new bulletproof cars for himself and his wife.

It was reported that Tinubu sent the budget to the Senate and House of Representatives saying that the extra funding was for "urgent issues" including defence and security and would form part of the 2023 spending plan.

Also, his government plans to spend 5.095bn naira ($6.47 million) on a presidential yacht, 1.5bn naira ($1.91 million) on official vehicles for the office of the first lady and 12.7bn naira on the presidential air fleet.

This sparked an outrage from citizens grappling with a high cost of living crisis, economic hardship and inflation in double-digits and rising.

Reacting to the extra funding as requested by President Bola Tinubu, the John Hopkins Professor took to his X page to slam the Nigerian leader over his expenses.

According to him, this is a waste of resources and abuse of power.

He wrote;

"#NGAWatch: Pres. Tinubu's request for $2.8bn in extra funding for "urgent issues" has been approved by lawmakers. It includes funds for a pres. yacht, air fleet, & renovations to the presidential quarters.

TINUBU'S NIGERIA = WASTE, FRAUD, & ABUSE."

#NGAWatch: Pres. Tinubu's request for $2.8bn in extra funding for "urgent issues" has been approved by lawmakers. It includes funds for a pres. yacht, air fleet, & renovations to the presidential quarters.

TINUBU'S NIGERIA = WASTE, FRAUD, & ABUSE.https://t.co/nTmk5uuY8M

— Steve Hanke (@steve_hanke) November 6, 2023