The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate leadership in transparency by requesting the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to make his asset declarations public.
In a letter dated December 28, 2024, signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization urged Tinubu to extend this transparency initiative to Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, state governors, National Assembly leaders, and local government chairmen.
The appeal follows Tinubu's remarks during a recent Presidential Media Chat, where he expressed willingness to consider making his declared assets public.
SERAP welcomed the statement as a positive step toward fostering accountability in governance but emphasized the need for immediate action.
“We welcome your reported decision as a significant development and a signal of your intent, willingness, and commitment to show leadership on this important matter of public interest,” the letter stated.
Corruption and Secrecy
SERAP highlighted that secrecy in asset declarations has perpetuated corruption at all levels of government, enabling public officials to misuse funds for personal gain.
“Secrecy in asset declarations provides the biggest opportunities for abuse of public money.
“Acting as recommended would reduce the opportunities for corruption at all levels of government,” SERAP noted.
The group also criticized the lack of compliance with a July 2024 Supreme Court ruling barring state governors from taking over local government funds, urging Tinubu to prioritize its implementation.
“Your intent to promote transparency should include prioritizing the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment and holding state governors accountable for contempt of court,” SERAP stated.
Legal and International Obligations
SERAP emphasized that Nigeria’s Constitution mandates public officers to declare their assets upon assuming and leaving office.
These provisions, outlined in the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution and the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, aim to combat corruption and promote transparency.
The group also referenced Nigeria’s commitments under international treaties, including the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption and the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
“Asset declarations by public officials play a significant role in promoting transparency and preventing corruption in public service,” SERAP asserted.
Call to Action
SERAP concluded by urging President Tinubu to translate his intentions into concrete actions by making his declared assets public.
The organization believes such a move would set a critical precedent for accountability across all levels of government.
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