The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari over the government’s “failure” to investigate the “mismanagement” of security votes by serving and former governors.
The suit was filed in response to Buhari’s 2022 New Year’s Message, in which he expressed concern about “persistent insecurity in certain parts of the country.”
SERAP also cited Buhari’s promise in his inaugural address in 2015 to “check gross corruption and ensure accountability at all levels of government in the country.”
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SERAP is seeking an order compelling Buhari to direct Abubakar Malami (SAN), the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, to launch an investigation in a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, FHC/L/CS/189/2022.
According to the suit, the investigation would ensure accountability and improve the government’s ability to deliver on promises to ensure Nigerians’ safety.
SERAP insisted that the government’s primary and constitutional responsibility was to protect citizens’ lives and property.
According to the rights group, the pervasive tendency of public officials to use security votes as a personal entitlement is contrary to the constitution and international standards.
Malami was named as a Respondent in the suit filed by lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Joke Fekumo.
SERAP cited a Transparency International (TI) report that found that a significant portion of security votes were spent on political activities, mismanaged, or stolen.
It is estimated that security votes cost more than N241.2 billion per year.
In addition to appropriated security votes, state governments receive millions of dollars in international security assistance each year.
“While sitting state governors may be immune from arrest and prosecution, they are not immune from investigation,” the report stated.
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