The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari over his failure to probe allegation of missing ₦881 billion from 367 ministries, departments and agencies.
SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, said in a statement that the suit follows the allegations contained in part 2 of the 2018 annual audited report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
Joined in the suit as respondents are the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed.
In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1281/2021 filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP seeks, “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Buhari to promptly investigate the alleged missing N881bn of public funds and to ensure the prosecution of those suspected to be responsible, and the full recovery of any missing, mismanaged or diverted public funds.
“It is in the interest of justice to grant this application, as it would improve respect for the rights of Nigerians, and improve their access to essential public goods and services, which ought to be provided by the indicted MDAs,” the statement said.
“President Buhari has a constitutional duty to ensure the investigation and prosecution of allegations of corruption, as well as recovery of any missing public funds. Section 15[5] of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution [as amended], requires the Buhari administration to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.
“The alleged missing public funds have hampered the ability of the indicted MDAs to meet the needs of average citizens, as the missing funds could have helped the government to invest in key public goods and services, and to improve access of Nigerians to these goods and services.”
It said the recovery of the missing funds would reduce pressure on the government to borrow money to fund the budget.
