The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu at the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly failing to investigate the mismanagement of N57 billion reportedly stolen from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in 2021.
In the suit, SERAP is urging the court to mandate President Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and anti-corruption agencies to probe the alleged missing funds. The organization also seeks the prosecution of those responsible, where sufficient evidence exists, and the recovery of the funds for the public treasury.
SERAP’s Allegations and Justifications
The lawsuit stems from findings in the 2021 audit report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation. The report reveals that over N54 billion meant for monthly stipends for Batch C1 N-Power volunteers and non-graduate trainees was not paid to beneficiaries but remains unaccounted for. Additionally, N2.6 billion allocated for the homegrown school feeding program during the COVID-19 pandemic was allegedly misused.
SERAP asserts that the unaccounted funds constitute a breach of public trust and violate Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws and international obligations. In its affidavit, the group argues that recovering the funds and prosecuting those responsible would help combat corruption and promote accountability in public offices.
“The allegations represent theft from the poor, and addressing them is in the public interest,” SERAP stated. “Low-income Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of systemic corruption, which undermines access to health, education, and essential services.”
Key Audit Findings
The audit report documented other alleged irregularities, including:
– N78 million spent on an unauthorized survey of the Ministry’s COVID-19 response.
– N39.5 million described as personal donations paid directly to the former minister as reimbursement.
– Payments to contractors for COVID-19 palliatives, reportedly unexecuted, in Kano, Zamfara, and Abia states.
The Auditor-General raised concerns that these funds might have been diverted, calling for their recovery and remittance to the treasury, alongside sanctions for those involved.
SERAP’s Legal Demands
Represented by its lawyer, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP argues that granting its reliefs will strengthen anti-corruption efforts, address Nigeria’s budget deficit, and improve public confidence in governance.
The case has yet to be assigned to a judge. Meanwhile, SERAP has urged the Tinubu administration to prioritize accountability and transparency by addressing the allegations promptly.
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