The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit asking the Federal High Court, Abuja, to compel governors to use funds budgeted for security votes, and life pensions for ex-governors to fund the COVID-19 fight.
Demanding that the money be expended on healthcare facilities, SERAP also wants publication of details of spending on COVID-19 in all states.
The body, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/757/2020, is seeking a declaration that the failure of the governors to respond satisfactorily amount to a fundamental breach of the FoI Act, the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
SERAP suit followed Freedom of Information (FoI) requests dated 25 April 2020, expressing concern that “governors are spending scarce state resources to pay themselves security votes and their predecessors life pensions rather than using public funds to effectively respond to COVID-19 by investing in and improving public healthcare facilities in their states.”
SERAP revealed that only two governors – Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) and Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara), responded to its FoI requests.
SERAP suit filed by, Kolawole Oluwadare and Atinuke Adejuyigbe, insists that governors have a responsibility to act in the interest of Nigerian citizens and residents in their states under the Code of Conduct for Public Officers [Fifth Schedule Part 1] of the Nigerian Constitution, and Oath of Office of Governor of a State in Seventh Schedule to the Constitution.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Credit: dailypost.ng
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