SERAP Sues Nigerian Governors and FCT Minister Over Alleged Missing N40 Trillion in Local Government Allocations Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against Nigeria’s governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mr. Nyesom Wike, over their alleged failure to account for N40 trillion in federal allocations meant for local governments.
This lawsuit follows revelations by former President Muhammadu Buhari in December 2022, where he alleged mismanagement of funds, stating, “If the money from the Federation Account to the State is about N100 million, N50 million will be sent to the chairman but he will sign that he received N100 million.
The chairman will pocket the balance and share it.”In the suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking to compel the governors to publish details of local government allocations and actual disbursements from 1999 to date.
Similarly, they demand Mr. Wike to disclose federal allocations meant for Area Councils in the FCT during the same period.SERAP argues that transparency obligations under the Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights mandate the governors and Mr. Wike to disclose this information.
They emphasize that transparency is crucial to increase accountability, prevent corruption, and build trust in democratic institutions.
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The lawsuit underscores the public’s right to information, promoting openness, transparency, and accountability in government spending.
SERAP asserts that citizens must have access to information regarding government activities.
The failure to disclose the actual disbursement of federal allocations has negative impacts on citizens’ fundamental interests and contributes to poverty, underdevelopment, and lack of access to public goods and services.
SERAP contends that combatting corruption in federal allocations for local governments would alleviate poverty, improve access to basic public goods, and enhance local governments’ ability to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
The lawsuit highlights Section 162(6) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates states to maintain a State Joint Local Government Account for allocations to local government councils. Section 15(5) further requires public institutions to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power.
By filing this lawsuit, SERAP seeks to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the management of federal allocations to local governments, ultimately benefiting Nigerians across the country.
