The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to make his declared assets public. The organization also encouraged Vice-President Kashim Shettima, ministers, state governors, and National Assembly leaders to follow his example.
In a press release dated December 28, 2024, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group praised Tinubu for mentioning during his first Presidential Media Chat that he might request the CCB to disclose his assets.
SERAP welcomed this potential decision as a significant step toward demonstrating leadership in matters of public interest. However, the organization urged the President to act swiftly, emphasizing that immediate action would enhance the impact of his consideration.
“Your prompt request to the CCB to publish your assets, along with encouraging others to do the same, will foster public trust, transparency, and accountability,” SERAP asserted.
The organization pointed out that the secrecy surrounding asset declarations by public officials contributes to corruption at all levels of government. They noted that this lack of transparency facilitates corrupt practices in the country’s states, the Federal Capital Territory, and within various government agencies.
SERAP also referenced a Supreme Court ruling from July 11, 2024, which prevented state governors from taking control of local government funds, urging Tinubu to enforce this decision. They argued that accountability at state and local levels cannot be achieved without the immediate implementation of this ruling.
Despite the court’s judgment, many state governors reportedly continue to misappropriate local government funds. SERAP emphasized the importance of enforcing the ruling to combat corruption and ensure that public funds allocated for local governments are utilized for essential services.
The letter stated that the President’s commitment to transparency should extend to holding governors accountable for non-compliance with the Supreme Court ruling.
SERAP identified corruption as a significant threat to Nigeria’s democracy, undermining public trust and exacerbating economic difficulties. They noted that one way corrupt politicians maintain their practices is by concealing their assets.
The organization referenced several legal frameworks, including the Nigerian Constitution and international anti-corruption conventions, which mandate asset declarations by public officials. They highlighted the public’s right to access information about the assets declared by these officials.
SERAP expressed hope that Tinubu’s leadership would establish a standard for transparency and accountability throughout the government. They concluded by reiterating their recommendations for the President to request the CCB to publish his assets and encourage others to do the same.
