A Federal High Court in Lagos has mandated Sadia Umar-Farouk, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, to account for N729 billion distributed to 24.3 million poor Nigerians over six months.
This
ruling follows a Freedom of Information suit by the Socio-Economic Rights and
Accountability Project (SERAP), as reported by Channels TV. Justice Deinde
Isaac Dipeolu's judgment, delivered last month, compels the former minister to
detail the spending of the N729 billion allocated in 2021.
Justice
Dipeolu stated that the Freedom of Information Act requires the minister to
disclose information to the public. He granted an order of mandamus, compelling
the minister to provide details of the beneficiaries and the payment mechanisms
used. The judge also ordered an explanation of the rationale behind
distributing N5,000 to each of the 24.3 million recipients.
The
judgment highlighted the minister's lack of response to SERAP's request and
upheld the organization's right to seek judicial intervention. SERAP's Deputy Director,
Kolawole Oluwadare, praised the judgment as a victory for transparency and
accountability.
Justice
Dipeolu dismissed the minister's preliminary objections, asserting that SERAP
complied with the required legal procedures. The court's decision emphasizes
the importance of accountability in public fund management.
SERAP
has urged President Bola Tinubu to comply with the court's ruling, emphasizing
the need for transparency and the fight against corruption. Legal experts,
including Femi Falana, SAN, commended the judgment, calling it a significant
step towards addressing systemic corruption in Nigeria.
In a
letter to President Tinubu, SERAP requested immediate compliance with the court
order, urging the government to release the spending details of the N729
billion and demonstrate a commitment to the rule of law and transparency.
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