SERAP writes to Tinubu over N729 billion lawsuit against former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Umar-Farouk

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the judgment delivered by Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Lagos, ordering the Federal Government to release details of the expenditure of N729 billion by the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadia Umar-Farouk, is complied with.

In a letter given to reporters on Sunday, the organisation noted that the ruling had compelled the former minister to provide details of how the money was spent during his tenure to anyone including SERAP, citing provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.

The letter signed by the Deputy Director of SERAP, Kolawole Oluwadare, which also contained copies of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, read:

“Re: Request to comply with the judgment of Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu on the details of expenditure of N729 billion by the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development”

“The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) writes to appeal to you to use your authority and leadership position to immediately enforce the judgment of Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Lagos, ordering your government to release details of the expenditure of N729 billion by Mrs. Sadia Umar-Farouk, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

“The ruling was delivered last month by Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu following Freedom of Information claim number: FHC/L/CS/853/2021, filed by SERAP. A certified copy of the ruling was obtained last Friday.

“In his ruling, Judge Dipeolu held that the former minister was obliged by the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act to provide information to anyone including SERAP.

“’I therefore grant a writ of mandamus directing and compelling the minister to provide details of the expenditure of N729 billion to 24.3 million poor Nigerians in 2021.’”

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“Justice Dipeolu ordered the minister to ‘provide SERAP with details of the selected beneficiaries and the mechanism for payment to the beneficiaries.’

“Justice Dipeolu also ordered the minister to ‘explain the rationale for paying N5,000 to 24.3 million poor Nigerians, which is five per cent of Nigeria’s N13.6 trillion budget for 2021.’

“Justice Dipeolu also stated that, ‘the minister has not given any reason for the refusal to disclose the details requested by SERAP. SERAP has cited the relevant sections of the Freedom of Information Act 2011 which the minister has contravened and pursuant to sections 20 and 25(1) of the Act has prayed to this Court to issue a writ of mandamus to direct and compel the minister to provide the information requested.’

“Judge Dipeolu rejected the objections raised by the minister’s attorney and supported SERAP’s argument. Therefore, the court ruled in favor of SERAP against the minister.

“Justice Dipeolu granted the following writ of mandamus against the minister:

1. ORDER OF MANDAMUS hereby directs and compels the Respondent to provide details of the payment of N729 billion to 24.3 million poor Nigerians over a period of six months, including the mechanism and logistics put in place for the payment and the list of beneficiaries.

2. ORDER OF MANDAMUS hereby directs and compels the Respondent to provide details of how the beneficiaries have been selected, the number of states covered and the payments per state.

3. ORDER OF MANDAMUS hereby directs and compels the Respondent to state whether payment was made in cash, via a bank verification number or other means.

4. ORDER OF MANDAMUS hereby directs and compels the Respondent to explain the rationale for paying N5,000 to 24.3 million poor Nigerians, which is five per cent of Nigeria’s budget of N13.6 trillion for 2021.

5. ORDER OF MANDAMUS hereby directs and compels the Respondent to clarify whether the said expenditure is part of the budget deficit of N5.6 trillion.

“SERAP urges you to direct the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation to immediately compile and release the details of the expenditure of N729 billion as ordered by the court.

“Transparency in the use of the $729 billion earmarked for Nigeria’s poor is good for everyone, as it will help enhance the effectiveness, legitimacy and contribution of the loot recovered to the development of public goods and services, and the interests of the general public.

“Democracy will not thrive if the government operates in secret. Citizens have the right to know how the country’s wealth, including the looted Abacha assets, are used, managed and administered in a democratic atmosphere.

“Implementing the judgment immediately will restore trust and confidence in the independence of the Nigerian judiciary.

“SERAP urges you to make a complete break with the past and take clear and decisive steps that demonstrate your commitment to the rule of law, transparency and accountability in the governance process.

“SERAP trusts that you will see compliance with this ruling as a key aspect of the rule of law; an important stepping stone to building a basic institutional framework for legality and constitutionality. We therefore look forward to your positive response and action on the ruling.”

SERAP posts Tinubu on N729 billion lawsuit against former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Umar-Farouk first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.