Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit asking the Federal High Court in Lagos “to compel the Federal Government to disclose details of proposed payments of N729bn to 24.3 million poor Nigerians, including the mechanisms and logistics for the payments, list of beneficiaries, and how they have been selected, and whether the payments will be made in cash or through Bank Verification Numbers or other means.”

SERAP is also seeking “an order directing and compelling the Federal Government to explain the rationale for paying N5,000 to 24.3 million poor Nigerians for six months, which translates to five-percent of the country’s budget of N13.6 trillion for 2021.”

The suit followed SERAP’s Freedom of Information (FoI) request to Ms Sadia Umar-Farouk, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disasters Management and Social Development, stating that: “Disclosing the details of beneficiaries and selection criteria, as well as the payment plan would promote transparency and accountability, and remove the risks of mismanagement and diversion of public funds.”

In the suit number FHC/L/CS/853/2021 filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP is also seeking: “an order directing and compelling the Federal Government to clarify whether the proposed payment to poor Nigerians is part of the N5.6 trillion budget deficit.”

In the suit filed against Ms Sadia Umar-Farouk, SERAP is arguing that “Providing support and assistance to poor Nigerians is a human rights obligation but the programme to spend five-percent of the 2021 budget, which is mostly based on deficit and borrowing, requires anti-corruption safeguards to ensure the payments go directly to the intended beneficiaries, and that public funds are not mismanaged or diverted.”

According to SERAP: “The Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended], UN Convention against Corruption, and African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party require the government to set the highest standards of transparency, accountability and probity in programmes that it oversees.”

SERAP is also arguing that “The government has a responsibility to ensure that these requirements and other anti-corruption controls are fully implemented and monitored, and that the payments are justified in light of the huge budget deficit and borrowing, and whether there are better ways to spend N729bn to support poor Nigerians.”

According to SERAP: “The Federal Government has repeatedly failed to ensure transparency and accountability in the spending of public wealth and resources.”

The suit filed last week on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Opeyemi Owolabi, read in part: “Transparency and accountability in the programme would improve public trust, and allow Nigerians to track and monitor its implementation, and to assess if the programme is justified, as well as to hold authorities to account in cases of diversion, mismanagement and corruption.”

“Obedience to the rule of law by all citizens but more particularly those who publicly took oath of office to protect and preserve the constitution is a desideratum to good governance and respect for the rule of law. In a democratic society, this is meant to be a norm; it is an apostasy for government to ignore the provisions of the law and the necessary rules to regulate matters”

“The right to truth allows Nigerians to gain access to information essential to the fight against corruption. This is in line with the Government’s anti-corruption strategy of citizen involvement in the fight against corruption. As a positive development strategy, access to information will foster development of democratic institutions in Nigeria.”

“Democracy cannot flourish in the absence of citizen’s access to information. Public officers are mere custodians of public records. The citizenry is entitled to know how the common wealth is being utilized, managed and administered. This right to know will no doubt help in promoting a transparent democracy, good governance and public accountability.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
29/8/2021
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on:
+2348160537202

PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS LEGENDARY MUSIC ARTISTE, SIR VICTOR UWAIFO
President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with family, friends and associates of legendary musician and multi-talented artiste, Sir Victor Uwaifo, who passed on Saturday, leaving a legacy of successes in many areas of life, including academia and administration.
The President joins the Nigerian music industry and performing artistes, home and abroad, in mourning the former first Honourable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism (Edo State), who was also the first musician and instrumentalist to be given National Honours Merit, Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) in 1983.
President Buhari believes the renowned musician, with global appeal and recognitions, lived for many firsts, which include invitation to the State House by four presidents and Heads of State, and winner of a gold disc in Africa for his song, “Joromi’’, released in 1965 at the age of 24.
The President notes the glory that Sir Uwaifo brought to Nigeria through his international tours, and the active role he played in national development, returning to school to get a first degree at age 54 with first class honours, masters degree at 56, and a doctorate at 77.
President Buhari prays for the soul of the departed musician, writer, sculptor, musical instrument inventor and university lecturer, knowing the entire country, particularly the music industry, will sorely miss him.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 28, 2021

August 28, 2021
Press Statement
PDP Condemns, Demands Investigation Into Rivers Boat Shooting
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expresses shock and totally condemns the reported shooting of a civilian market boat ferrying foodstuff and other household goods, allegedly by a military helicopter in Dutch Island area of Rivers state.
The PDP is alarmed by reports of how the said military helicopter allegedly circled, targeted and shot at civilians, who were ferrying foodstuff and household items from Nembe-Bille jetty, in a bloody assault, in which the traders sustained gunshot wounds.
Our party calls for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the terrifying incident which has reportedly heightened apprehensions in the Niger Delta region.
The PDP also calls for calm as the authorities unravel the circumstances surrounding the ugly incident.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

PRESIDENT BUHARI PAYS TRIBUTE TO PROF. GRILLO, VETERAN ARTIST
President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to the Grillo family, friends, associates and art lovers on the passing of Professor Yusuf Adebayo Cameron Grillo, the pioneer Head of the Department of Art and Printing, Yaba College of Technology.
From his stained glass paintings, to showcasing the rich Yoruba culture and heritage in his works, the President believes that the legendary artist and founding President of the Society of Nigeria Artists (SNA) was a master in promoting creativity and raising awareness on the beauty in indigenous traditions.
The President affirms that one of the greatest legacies of Grillo was his devotion to educating and mentoring a younger generation, who, expectedly, through the power of the visual arts will continue to promote dialogue, understanding and appreciation of the uniqueness of the Nigerian society.
The President prays for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for his many fans that will sorely miss him.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 28, 2021

Delta at 30: Okonjo-Iweala, Ovia, Elumelu, Clark others receive awards

Delta Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday said the state had in its three decades of existence been a potpourri of diversity and inclusion, trials and triumphs and growth and stability.

He stated this at the Gala and Award Night in Asaba marking the grand finale of a week-long celebration of the 30th anniversary of the creation of the state.

At the event held at Event Center, no fewer than 18 distinguished Deltans, including Chairman of Zenith Bank, Mr Jim Ovia, Chairman of United Bank for Africa, Mr Tony Elumelu, Director-General of World Trade Organization, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and eminent scholar, Professor Obaro Ikime, were honoured for their contributions to the development of the state and country.

Other awardees were Professor Joy Ogwu, Prof. Grace Alele-Williams, Prof. Emmanuel Nwanze, renowned architect, Chief Charles Majoroh, Chief E.K. Clark, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Vanguard Publisher, Mr Sam Amuka-Pemu and Frontline comedian, Atunyota Akpobome (a.k.a Alibaba).

The awardees also included Michael Ajereh (Don Jazzy), Ese Brume, Timipamere Akiayefa and three posthumous recipients – Chief Mukoro Mowoe, Chief James Otobo and Chief Dennis Osadebay, former Premier of defunct Midwest Region.

Okowa thanked Deltans for their support and cooperation in building a smart, strong and safe state.

“After 30 years, I can boldly say that it has been three decades of diversity and inclusion, of trials and triumphs, and of growth and stability.

“More significantly, Deltans have come to live as one big, happy family and the State has continued to forge ahead in all indices of human, physical and economic development,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the civil servants – serving, retired or late – who made huge sacrifices to ensure the successful take-off of the State.

The said that his administration was breaking new grounds in job and wealth creation through entrepreneurship development while building road and physical infrastructure of the most vital interest and impact.

“A classic example is the 20.28km Obotobo I – Obotobo II – Sokebolou–Yokri – Road beside the Atlantic Ocean in Burutu Local Government Area.

“Furthermore, the riverside communities of Burutu, Oporoza, Okerenkoko and Benekrukru, among others, have been given a facelift with well-paved roads, while most urban centres are being enhanced through growth and renewal.

“As we reflected on the last 30 years, it was clear to us that celebration of this milestone would not be complete without recognizing Deltans who have made the state proud in their various fields of endeavour.

“While the public/civil servants were holding the home front, many of our own were flying the flag of the state in the national arena.

“Hence, we decided to recognize some of our distinguished sons and daughters, and to also use the opportunity to let the whole world know the invaluable contributions Deltans are making to project Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, the list of prominent sons and daughters is by no means exhaustive and there are many Deltans making waves in various aspects of life and across the nations of the world.

“As a government, we thought this is a good starting point and we are deeply grateful that the awardees considered it worthwhile to be here today and we thank you for giving us that honour,” the governor stated.

He solicited the continued support of all Deltans, including the Diaspora, to his administration in its determination to deliver a Stronger Delta to them.

He assured that ongoing projects and programmes would be concluded while premium would continue to be attached to well-being of citizens.

Gbajabiamila, Okowa, Wase, others bid mama Nwokolo farewell

Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Delta Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and wife, Edith, Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Wase, were among dignitaries, who bade Mrs Grace Nwokolo farewell as her remains was committed to mother earth on Saturday.

The late Mrs Nwokolo is mother to Hon. Victor Nwokolo, the member representing Ika Federal Constituency in House of Representatives.

Her remains were interred at her husband’s home town, Igbodo in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta.

Mrs. Nwokolo, 86, died in July, 2021 after a brief illness. She hailed from Owere-Olubor also in Ika North East.

Among dignitaries at the church service were Senator James Manager, Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor.

Also in attendance were members of the National Assembly including Deputy Chief Whip of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Hon. Leo Ogor, Hon. Ossai Ossai, Hon. Francis Waive, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori; Deputy Governor of CBN , Dr Kingsley Obiora.

Speaking at the church service, held at St. George’s Anglican Church, Igbodo, Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Ika, Rt. Rev’d Geoffrey Ekpenisi, in his sermon urged Christians to live a life of goodness and kindness which were the hallmarks of a decent society.

He urged parents to teach and pass to their next generation the virtues of industry, hardwork and sound family life.

The cleric added that Nigeria cannot move forward without unity and brotherly love among various ethnic groups in the country.