The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered Sadia Umar-Farouk, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disasters Management, and Social Development, to account for a staggering N729 billion purportedly paid to 24.3 million impoverished Nigerians over six months. The court demands not just a vague report, but detailed information about the beneficiaries, the number of states involved, and the specific payments per state.
What They Are saying
The judgment, delivered by Hon. Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu, stems from a Freedom of Information suit (FHC/L/CS/853/2021) initiated by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). This revelation came to light through a statement by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, who mentioned that the certified true copy of the judgment was obtained last Friday.
Justice Dipeolu’s judgment reads like a masterclass in judicial reprimand. “The former minister is compelled by the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act to give information to any person including SERAP,” declared Dipeolu. He further mandated the former minister to disclose how the N729 billion was spent and the selection mechanism for the beneficiaries.
The court also questioned the rationale behind paying N5,000 to each of the 24.3 million poor Nigerians, a sum that translates to five percent of Nigeria’s N13.6 trillion budget for 2021. The minister’s silence on these details did not go unnoticed. “The minister did not give any reason for the refusal to disclose the details sought by SERAP,” noted Dipeolu, emphasizing the minister’s failure to comply with the Freedom of Information Act.
SERAP’s persistence in seeking accountability bore fruit, as the court dismissed all objections raised by the minister’s counsel. The court sided with SERAP, affirming that the suit was filed within the legal timeframe and that the minister’s preliminary objections lacked merit. Justice Dipeolu’s judgment underlined that failure to perform statutory duties in the prescribed manner amounts to delinquent conduct.
In a letter dated July 6, 2024, addressed to President Bola Tinubu, SERAP urged immediate compliance with the court’s orders. “We urge you to direct the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disasters Management and Social Development and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation to immediately compile and release the spending details of the N729 billion as ordered by the court,” the letter stated. SERAP also emphasized that compliance with the judgment would signify a departure from the Buhari administration’s notorious disregard for judicial rulings.
Femi Falana, SAN, praised SERAP’s efforts, describing the judgment as a landmark victory for public interest litigation in Nigeria. “SERAP deserves the commendation of all well-meaning people that have agonized over reports of systemic corruption in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs,” said Falana.
Why It Matters
This case revolves around the former minister’s controversial decision in January 2021 to distribute N5,000 monthly to 24.3 million poor Nigerians over six months, supposedly to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of transparency and accountability in the disbursement of these funds has sparked widespread outrage and demands for thorough investigation and prosecution of those involved.
Justice Dipeolu’s verdict is more than a legal victory; it’s a clarion call for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. For President Tinubu, this judgment presents an opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to the rule of law, break away from the past, and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary and governance processes.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Federal High Court’s decision not only exposes the opacity in the former minister’s handling of public funds but also sets a precedent for holding public officials accountable. As Nigeria watches closely, the ball is now in President Tinubu’s court to enforce the judgment and take decisive action against corruption in his administration.
