Eunice Afolabi
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, to recommit to transparency and display leadership by publicly declaring his assets at the end of his tenure in office and encouraging other members of his administration to do same.
The group also stressed that the President direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) to take instant steps to diligently, effectively and fairly prosecute all outstanding high-profile corruption cases currently being handled by his office.
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Recall that Buhari had stated in his Independence Day address that he would confer on a country where all citizens have equal opportunities to achieve.
“We have made significant progress in the eradication of deeply entrenched corruption that permeates all facets of our national development,” he said.
However, SERAP, in an open letter signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, countered the President’s speech, saying, “grand corruption has continued to deny millions of Nigerians equal opportunities.”
“Promoting transparency and combating corruption and ensuring full and effective respect for the rule of law would send a strong signal of your commitment to leave behind a legacy of transparency and accountability.”
“We hope that the next few months will show your administration’s commitment to consistently uphold transparency and accountability to create a rule of law-friendly environment that would make Nigerians safer.
“There remain longstanding and grave concerns regarding widespread cases of grand corruption involving high-ranking government officials and systemic corruption in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and persistent attacks on the rule of law.”
The group pointed out the “indicators of bad governance and mismanagement of the country’s natural wealth and resources should serve as proof of the need for your government to reinforce and recommit to the fight against corruption.’’
Adding that holders of public offices still use political power to enrich themselves without considering the public good. In several states of the federation and federal ministries, corruption is taking place every day and every hour.”
They further added that corruption has continue to directly affect the lives and well being of millions of Nigerians across the country, erode trust in public institutions and leaders, as well as threaten the foundation of the nation’s democracy.
Furthermore, the body asked Buhari to obey all pending court judgments with a view to improving the ability of his government to fulfill its promises to Nigerians.
Also, the rights group asked the President to encourage all presidential candidates to publicly declare their assets ahead of the 2023 general elections.
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