Nigerians Panic As State Governors Receive 7-Day Deadline To Reveal Expenditure Of N2bn Fuel Subsidy Palliative....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on all 36 state governors in Nigeria to “publicly disclose comprehensive information regarding the utilization of the N2 billion palliative funds recently disbursed by the Federal Government, including the names of beneficiaries and a breakdown of the relief measures implemented with the allocated funds.”

Reports indicate that the Federal Government recently distributed N2 billion from the N5 billion palliative package allocated to each state in the country, including the Federal Capital Territory, to address the effects of the removal of fuel subsidies.

In an open letter dated September 9, 2023, and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of SERAP, the organization emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of the N2 billion palliative fund and any subsequent disbursements.

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SERAP stated, “Nigerians have a legitimate right to be informed about how their respective states are utilizing the relief funds allocated for fuel subsidy. This right is an enforceable legal entitlement.”

The organization further asserted, “Transparency and accountability in the allocation and expenditure of the N2 billion and any future disbursements to your state are essential to mitigate the risks of corruption, mismanagement, diversion, or abuse.”

The letter stated: “We kindly request that the recommended actions be taken within seven days of receiving and/or publishing this letter. Should there be no response within this period, SERAP will take all necessary legal measures to compel compliance with our request in the public interest.”

SERAP emphasized the importance of public access to details of the utilization of the N2 billion palliative fund and any subsequent disbursements as a crucial check on state activities, preventing potential misuse of public trust.

The letter highlighted the role of transparency in upholding democratic principles, stating, “The constitutional tenets of democracy also affirm the right of Nigerians to access information concerning the utilization of the N2 billion fuel subsidy relief fund. Citizen access to information is pivotal in fostering openness, transparency, and accountability, which are vital for the democratic order in the country.”

SERAP pointed out the ongoing adverse impact of the removal of fuel subsidies on disadvantaged and economically vulnerable Nigerians in multiple states, underscoring the importance of their right to an adequate standard of living.

The organization referred to legal provisions, including the Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, and international human rights agreements, which guarantee the right to information about the utilization of the N2 billion fuel subsidy relief funds.

The letter concluded by emphasizing the obligation of the state to fulfill transparency obligations and urged the governors to involve the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in monitoring and tracking the use of the funds.