The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to lead by example by directing the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to make his assets public, a move the group believes will foster public trust, transparency, and accountability in governance.
In an open letter dated December 28, 2024, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP also urged Tinubu to encourage Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, National Assembly leaders, state governors, and local government chairpersons to follow suit.
The civil society organization welcomed reports that Tinubu is considering asking the CCB to publish his assets, describing the development as a step towards demonstrating leadership and commitment to public interest.
SERAP argued that such a move would resonate more strongly if the President officially requested the CCB to act and persuaded other leaders to do the same.
SERAP criticized the culture of secrecy surrounding asset declarations by public officials, noting that it enables corruption across all levels of government, including Nigeria’s 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, ministries, departments, agencies, and local government councils.
“The secrecy surrounding asset declarations opens the door to the misuse of public funds for personal gain,” the organization stated. “Publishing assets will reduce opportunities for corruption and signal a commitment to transparency at all levels of government.”
S
The group also urged Tinubu to prioritize implementing the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024, ruling, which prevents state governors from seizing local government funds. Despite the judgment, SERAP noted that many governors continue to divert local government allocations, undermining grassroots development.
“Your intent and commitment to promoting transparency should include holding state governors accountable for contempt of court,” SERAP wrote. “Implementing the Supreme Court ruling effectively will reduce corruption at the state level and address allegations of misallocating local government funds vital for public services.”
Impact of Corruption
SERAP emphasized that corruption erodes trust in public institutions, undermines democracy, and directly affects the lives of millions of Nigerians. The group pointed out that one way corrupt officials conceal their activities is by hiding their assets.
“Nigeria’s democracy must be built on transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law. Treating the Supreme Court ruling with contempt contradicts these principles and hinders efforts to hold state governors accountable,” SERAP stated.
Constitutional Mandate
SERAP further referenced the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended), which under Paragraph 3 (c) of Part 1 of its Third Schedule, emphasizes citizens’ right to access details of asset declarations made by public officials to the CCB.
The organization urged Tinubu to take decisive steps toward transparency, noting that openness would enhance public confidence in the integrity of government officials and institutions.
“Transparency and accountability are the bedrock of participatory governance. By setting an example, President Tinubu can create a ripple effect that promotes these values across all levels of government,” SERAP concluded.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
