The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive steps towards transparency by directing the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to publish his asset declaration. SERAP further urged Tinubu to encourage other top government officials, including Vice-President Kashim Shettima, ministers, state governors, and local government chairpersons, to follow suit.
A Call for Transparency
In a letter dated December 28, 2024, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP praised Tinubu’s earlier remarks during his first presidential media chat, where he expressed willingness to consider asking the CCB to release his assets. The organization described Tinubu’s stance as a “significant development” that demonstrates intent and commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
SERAP emphasized that publishing asset declarations is a critical step in combating corruption, as secrecy surrounding the assets of high-ranking officials creates opportunities for abuse of power.
“Secrecy in the assets declared by high-ranking public officials to the CCB continues to facilitate corruption at all levels of government, especially in the country’s 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and local governments,” the letter stated.
The Impact of Openness
According to SERAP, making asset declarations public would boost public confidence in the integrity of political leaders and ensure accountability in governance. Transparency, the organization noted, is essential for fostering trust between citizens and public officials.
“Transparency and openness would increase public confidence in the integrity of high-ranking public officials and ensure that political authorities are honest when they provide services to the people,” the letter read.
Translating Words into Action
SERAP urged Tinubu to act swiftly by asking the CCB to publish his asset declaration. It also called on the president to encourage his vice president, ministers, and other public officials to do the same.
“Your ‘consideration’ would carry more weight if you were to promptly translate the intent into action by asking the CCB to publish your assets and encouraging your Vice-President, ministers, and other officials to do the same,” the letter stated.
Implementing Supreme Court Ruling
Beyond asset declarations, SERAP also appealed to Tinubu to enforce the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024, ruling that prohibits state governors from controlling local government funds. Despite the judgment, many governors reportedly continue to flout the ruling, leading to allegations of mismanagement and diversion of funds meant for public services.
“Your intent, willingness, and expressed commitment to promote transparency in asset declarations should include prioritising the immediate and effective implementation of the Supreme Court judgment and holding state governors to account for contempt of court,” SERAP said.
Combating Corruption at All Levels
SERAP argued that implementing the Supreme Court’s ruling is a critical measure to reduce state-level corruption and ensure local governments have the resources they need to deliver essential public services.
“The immediate and effective implementation of the Supreme Court judgment is the best antidote for reducing cases of state-level corruption and would contribute to addressing allegations of diversion of local government funds needed for vital public services,” it added.
Moving Forward
SERAP’s appeal to President Tinubu underscores the urgent need for decisive leadership in addressing corruption and promoting transparency in Nigeria. By taking concrete steps to publish his assets and ensuring compliance with court rulings, Tinubu could set a precedent for accountability and inspire confidence in his administration’s commitment to good governance.
