x

SERAP Sues Buhari over Alleged Missing N881bn in 367 MDAs

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari over his failure to probe allegations that over N880 billion of public funds are missing from 367 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to ensure the prosecution of those suspected to be responsible, and the recovery of any missing or diverted public funds.

Joined in the suit as respondents are the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed.

The suit followed the grim allegations contained in part 2 of the 2018 annual audited report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation that ₦880,894,733,084.811 was spent by 367 MDAs without any appropriation.

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1281/2021 filed last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Buhari to promptly investigate the alleged missing funds and to ensure the prosecution of those suspected to be responsible, and the full recovery of any missing, mismanaged or diverted public funds.

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyer, Kolawole Oluwadare, read in part: “The failure to investigate the allegations of grand corruption contained in part 2 of the 2018 annual audited report constitutes a grave violation of the duty placed on the Nigerian government to take appropriate measures to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public finances.

“Recovering the alleged missing public funds would reduce the pressure on the federal government to borrow more money to fund the budget, enable the authorities to meet the country’s constitutional and international obligations and reduce the growing level of public debts.

“These damning revelations suggest a grave violation of the public trust, the Nigerian Constitution of 1999, and international human rights and anti-corruption standards. Spending of public funds without appropriation will create opportunities for corruption. Transparent and accountable public financial management is a key pillar of good governance, and of vital importance to provide public goods and services to citizens, as well as to create and maintain fair and sustainable economic and social conditions in the country. No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.”

Hot this week

Kidnappers Demand ₦100 Million Ransom for Mother and Two Children Abducted in Kogi

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaGunmen suspected to be bandits have...

RCCG Pastor Urges Men to Embrace Physical Exercise for Greater Productivity

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe Zonal Pastor of the Redeemed...

Nigeria at 65: Igoche Mark Salutes Athletes for Global Contributions

As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence anniversary on Wednesday,...

Sixty-Five Cheers to a Great Nation in Need of True Reflections

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), on behalf of...

FG Cancels Independence Parade, Retains Other Anniversary Events

By Francis WilfredABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has...

Bishop Adegbite Names Fintiri as Most Pilgrim Friendly Governor

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuThe Executive Secretary of the Nigerian...

Clean Up Abuja: Wike Reiterates Commitment to Waste Management

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuThe FCT Minister, Barr. Nysome...

Good Road Network Attracting Investors to FCT – Wike

... Investors to Replicate Dubai City Walk in AbujaBy...

Emir of Zazzau Faces Two Defamation Suits Over Radio Interview

...Court to Hear Case November 4By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe...

Tinubu, Mutfwang, Akpabio, and Other Dignitaries Honour APC Chairman’s Mother at Jos Funeral

By Israel Adamu, JosPresident Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Plateau State...

How l became a consultant inside Kaduna Prison – Journalist Idibia

MY STORYBy Idibia GabrielIt is Interesting but hazardous to...

RCCG Pastor Urges Men to Embrace Physical Exercise for Greater Productivity

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe Zonal Pastor of the Redeemed...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img