The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has formally requested President Bola Tinubu to champion transparency and accountability within his administration by publicly disclosing his asset declaration. This call extends to other high-ranking officials, including Vice-President Kashim Shettima, cabinet ministers, state governors, and local government chairpersons. SERAP’s appeal, conveyed in a letter dated December 28, 2024, commends President Tinubu’s expressed willingness during his inaugural media chat to consider directing the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to release his assets. SERAP interprets this statement as a positive signal, indicative of the President’s commitment to fostering a transparent government. The organization emphasizes that this initial indication of intent must be translated into concrete action to establish a strong precedent and demonstrate genuine commitment to fighting corruption.
SERAP’s central argument rests on the premise that the current secrecy surrounding asset declarations filed with the CCB fuels corruption across all levels of government. This lack of transparency creates opportunities for public officials to misuse their positions for personal gain and undermines public trust. By making these declarations public, the potential for illicit enrichment is significantly reduced, as any discrepancies between declared assets and observed wealth can be readily scrutinized. Moreover, open access to asset information fosters public confidence in the integrity of government officials, assuring citizens that those in power are serving the public interest rather than their own private agendas. This transparency holds especially true at the state and local levels, where the impact of corruption is often most acutely felt by ordinary citizens.
The organization strongly urges President Tinubu to move beyond mere consideration and actively direct the CCB to publish his assets. This decisive action would set a powerful example for other officials, encouraging them to follow suit and establishing a culture of openness within the government. SERAP also highlights the importance of consistency in upholding the rule of law. The organization implores the President to enforce the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024 ruling, which prohibits state governors from appropriating local government funds. This judgment, if implemented effectively, would significantly curtail corruption at the state level and ensure that resources allocated to local governments are utilized for their intended purpose – providing essential public services to the communities they serve.
SERAP’s call for transparency extends beyond the President’s personal asset declaration. They advocate for a comprehensive approach that includes all high-ranking officials within the government. This widespread disclosure is crucial for building a robust anti-corruption framework that fosters accountability and promotes ethical governance. By encouraging transparency at all levels, the government can demonstrate its commitment to fighting corruption and building public trust. The organization stresses that the fight against corruption requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing both proactive measures like asset declaration transparency and reactive measures like enforcing court judgments against corrupt practices.
The organization emphasizes the crucial link between transparency and public trust. When citizens can access information about the financial dealings of their leaders, they are more likely to believe in the integrity of the government. This trust is essential for effective governance and fosters a sense of shared responsibility in combating corruption. Without transparency, suspicion and cynicism can erode public confidence, making it difficult to implement effective anti-corruption measures. Therefore, SERAP argues, the President’s commitment to transparency in asset declarations should be accompanied by a broader effort to promote open government and access to information.
In conclusion, SERAP’s appeal to President Tinubu signifies a crucial moment in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. By publicly disclosing his assets and encouraging other officials to do the same, the President can send a clear message that transparency and accountability are paramount. Furthermore, by enforcing the Supreme Court’s judgment against the misappropriation of local government funds, he can demonstrate his commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the resources meant for the benefit of the people. These actions, taken together, would represent a significant step towards building a more transparent and accountable government, fostering public trust, and ultimately, contributing to a more just and equitable society.
