The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has alleged that the 36 state governors have not provided a transparent account of how they have utilized the N72 billion in palliative funds received from the Federal Government.
In a statement released on Sunday, Kolawole Oluwadare, the deputy director of the group, announced that they have initiated legal proceedings against the governors. They contend that the governors failed to provide essential information regarding the beneficiaries and the relief measures associated with the disbursed funds.
Recently, the Federal Government allocated N2 billion from the N5 billion palliative fund to each state in the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to address the repercussions of removing fuel subsidies.
In a suit bearing the number FHC/L/CS/1943/2023, filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP is seeking the following:
A mandamus order directing and compelling each of the 36 state governors to account for the utilization of the N2 billion palliative funds received from the Federal Government.
A mandamus order instructing and compelling each of the 36 state governors to disclose comprehensive information about the recipients and the assistance provided to the most economically disadvantaged and vulnerable Nigerians using these funds.
A mandamus order compelling each of the 36 state governors to direct the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to oversee the expenditure of the fuel subsidy palliative funds they received.
The statement emphasizes that governmental secrecy contradicts the principles of democracy. Concealing the disbursement of the N72 billion by the 36 state governors can lead to public distrust and suspicion of the government. Furthermore, the failure of the governors to account for these public funds is deemed both legally and morally unacceptable.
The 36 state governors are constitutionally obligated to act in the public’s best interest. Governmental secrecy is seen as a means of coercion, promoting arbitrariness and concealing unlawful activities.
The suit’s hearing date has not been scheduled at this time.
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