An instant request has been made by SERAP (The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project) to Bola Tinubu, President, to investigate certain expenses of Borno State that have been covered by large amounts from the Federal Government’s Ecological Fund. These funds, which have been poorly managed since 2001, include N816 million received between January and June 2024.
SERAP’s concern was underlined in an affidavit issued on Sunday and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of SERAP. He stressed the need for accountability and recommended that individuals be brought to court based on proven allegations. Additionally, SERAP advocates for the complete recovery of illegally acquired money.
SERAP has asked President Tinubu to direct the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and the country’s anti-graft agencies to bring justice and provide remedies for flood victims in Borno State.
The organization stated, “It is incumbent on your administration to address the widespread flooding across the nation and its consequences on the people. Funding earmarked for flood prevention must not be mismanaged through corruption.”
Furthermore, SERAP has charged Tinubu to instruct the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to work closely with relevant anti-corruption agencies to ensure the Ecological Fund is disbursed judiciously in all states.
In its statement, SERAP emphasized the need to ensure flood victims in Borno receive justice through accountability checks. The organization recommends demanding accountability from the Federal Allocation Account Committee regarding monthly ecological funds allocation, as the state consistently receives huge sums.
Concerns have been raised that ecological funds meant for northeast Nigeria may be embezzled, with reports suggesting projects remain incomplete due to diversion or misuse for political reasons.
