In a bid to enhance transparency and accountability in Nigeria, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to initiate an investigation into the alleged disappearance of $2.1 billion and N3.1 trillion public funds designated for fuel subsidy payments. These funds were reported missing between 2016 and 2019, as documented in an audit report prepared by the Auditor-General of the Federation.
SERAP, a prominent civil society organization, further called on President Tinubu to take decisive action by publicly identifying and bringing to justice anyone suspected of being responsible for the widespread and systemic corruption in the management and utilization of oil revenues and the allocated public funds for fuel subsidy. Additionally, SERAP demands the full recovery of any proceeds of crime associated with these allegations.
In a letter dated June 3, 2023, signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP threatened to take legal action against the federal government if its demands were disregarded. The organization emphasized the necessity of investigating all fuel subsidies disbursed by successive governments since the return of democracy in 1999. Furthermore, SERAP recommended that any recovered funds from these investigations be utilized as palliatives to mitigate the impact of subsidy removal on underprivileged Nigerians.
SERAP firmly asserts that ensuring justice and accountability in relation to these grave allegations serves the legitimate public interest. It argues that without accountability for these human rights crimes, there can be no sustainable economic growth. The organization emphasizes that the Tinubu administration must adhere to due process when considering any policy to remove fuel subsidy. It also urges prompt legal action against suspected perpetrators and the recovery of missing public funds.
The civil society organization warns against the arbitrary removal of fuel subsidy without addressing the unresolved issues of mismanagement and corruption in oil revenues and subsidy payments. Such a move, according to SERAP, would only perpetuate poverty and further impoverish the already marginalized population. While the poor suffer, those who allegedly embezzled oil revenues and fuel subsidy payments would evade justice and retain their ill-gotten wealth.
SERAP emphasizes that corruption allegations surrounding oil revenues and fuel subsidies have consistently deprived the poor and socio-economically vulnerable Nigerians of their rightful benefits. It firmly asserts that it is unfair for ordinary citizens to continue bearing the brunt of the misappropriation of the country’s oil wealth, while both state and non-state actors exploit public funds for personal gain.
In closing, SERAP requests a response from President Tinubu within three days of receiving or publishing the letter, indicating compliance with their recommended measures in the public interest. Should there be no response within the stipulated timeframe, SERAP vows to take all necessary legal actions to compel the government to address its concerns.
As part of their proposal, SERAP recommends the establishment of a panel to oversee the investigation, headed by a retired justice of the Supreme Court or Court of Appeal. The organization stresses the importance of selecting panel members with proven professional records, utmost integrity, and the ability to act impartially, independently, and transparently.