SERAP Takes Legal Action Against State Governors Over ₦72 Bn Palliative

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal action against all 36 state governors in Nigeria, accusing them of failing to account for the utilization of the ₦72 billion subsidy palliative funds received from the Federal Government, including the absence of beneficiary details and relief distribution specifics.

Recently, the Federal Government allocated ₦2 billion from the ₦5 billion palliative fund to each state in the nation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This allocation is intended to alleviate the repercussions of the fuel subsidy removal.

Kolawole Oluwadare, the group’s deputy director, issued a statement on Sunday, announcing their lawsuit against the governors. Their claim revolves around the governors’ alleged non-disclosure of beneficiary information and the lack of transparency regarding the relief measures implemented using the funds.

In suit number FHC/L/CS/1943/2023, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos last Friday, SERAP seeks three orders:

1. An order of mandamus directing each of the 36 state governors to account for the utilization of the ₦2 billion palliative funds received from the Federal Government.
2. An order of mandamus compelling the governors to disclose the details of beneficiaries and the specific relief provided to the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians.
3. An order of mandamus instructing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor the expenditure of fuel subsidy palliative funds collected by the governors.

According to SERAP, government secrecy is fundamentally undemocratic and can erode public trust. The failure of the governors to provide an account of these public funds is both legally and morally unjust.

The suit, filed on behalf of SERAP by its legal representatives, Kolawole Oluwadare and Mrs. Blessing Ogwuche, emphasizes the importance of public interest in holding the governors accountable for the ₦72 billion palliative funds and any subsequent disbursement of public resources to the states.

The statement further highlights that a functioning democracy relies on citizen participation and accountability, asserting that citizens have a fundamental right to know how their government is utilizing public funds in their name.

As of now, no specific hearing date has been scheduled for the suit.