SERAP Urges Tinubu To Investigate Minister Amidst Calls For Legal Accountability Over N585.2 Million Diversion

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) is taking a resolute stance against alleged financial irregularities within the Nigerian government, demanding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu instigate a thorough investigation….CONTINUE READING

SERAP’s primary concern revolves around the alleged diversion of N585.2 million by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu.

The sizable sum, designated for vulnerable populations in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, and Ogun states, is purportedly redirected into a private account. SERAP, in a proactive measure, has called on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, along with relevant anti-corruption agencies, to promptly investigate the matter.

SERAP’s objective is to verify whether the N585.2 million has indeed been deposited into a private account and to identify any individuals who may have received the funds. The organization, in a letter dated January 6, 2024, emphasizes the urgency and gravity of the situation.

The organization argues that the transfer of public funds into private accounts not only creates an appearance of impropriety but also potentially facilitates wrongdoing or diversion of funds intended for public benefit.

SERAP insists that anyone suspected of involvement in such improper payments or diversion of public funds must face justice.

Moreover, SERAP emphasizes that any diverted public funds should be returned to the public treasury and distributed directly to the rightful beneficiaries.

The organization is concerned about the lack of transparency and accountability in the spending of public funds budgeted for social safety-nets and poverty alleviation programs and projects.

SERAP urges the government to comply with legal obligations and international standards to ensure transparency and accountability in the spending of public funds meant for socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians.

The organization expresses concerns about the potential erosion of the government’s poverty intervention programs’ effectiveness due to corruption risks.

In the letter, SERAP provides a seven-day ultimatum for the recommended measures to be taken. If there is no response within the stipulated time, SERAP threatens legal action to compel the government to comply with the request in the public interest.

The organization insists that failure to investigate the allegations and recover diverted public funds would undermine the integrity of the government’s poverty intervention programs.