Civil rights activist Mahdi Shehu has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s proposed ₦54 trillion 2026 budget, labeling it a deceptive ritual that prioritizes the elite over the welfare of ordinary Nigerians. Speaking ahead of the budget’s presentation to the National Assembly, Shehu argued that federal budgets since 1999 have consistently failed to improve living conditions despite their massive scale. He characterized these financial plans as fraudulent schemes designed to service avoidable debts and fund reckless spending on luxury items, foreign travel, and unconstitutional offices. Shehu further contended that previous budgets marketed under themes of hope and inclusivity only benefited those in power while the general public struggled to survive, warning citizens that the 2026 proposal serves the interests of the ruling class rather than the nation.
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