SERAP Sues Tinubu Over Failure to Probe Missing ₦57 Billion in Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued President Bola Tinubu over the alleged mismanagement of ₦57 billion in public funds. The funds were reportedly unaccounted for by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in 2021.

The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, also names the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, as a respondent. SERAP wants the court to direct Tinubu to order an investigation into the missing funds. It is also seeking the prosecution of those involved and the recovery of the money.

The allegations stem from the 2021 audit report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation. The report claimed that ₦54 billion meant for stipends to N-Power Batch C1 volunteers and trainees was not paid. SERAP says the funds may have been diverted. Another ₦2.6 billion allocated for a school feeding programme during the COVID-19 pandemic was allegedly paid to contractors without evidence of implementation. The report also revealed ₦78 million was spent on an unauthorised survey of the Ministry’s COVID-19 response.

Other questionable expenses included ₦39.5 million in personal donations reimbursed to the minister and ₦400 million meant for monitors’ payments. Contractors who received ₦287 million also failed to account for the funds.

SERAP said these issues violate the Nigerian Constitution and international anti-corruption laws. It accused the Ministry of stealing from citizens and worsening the plight of vulnerable Nigerians.

Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on the government to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution. Section 15(5) imposes the responsibility on the government to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.

“The consequences of corruption are felt by citizens on a daily basis. Corruption exposes them to additional costs to pay for health, education and administrative services”, the group stated.

No date has been set for the hearing.

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