The Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari to order Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and anti-corruption agencies to investigate 367 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) spending over $880 billion in public funds without appropriation in 2018.
In a series of tweets on Monday, SERAP stated that such inquiries should result in the funds being recovered.
It went on to say that anyone found guilty should be prosecuted.
In its letter to Buhari, the organization also stated that prosecuting such individuals will contribute in the fight against corruption and send a strong message to other public officials to refrain from engaging in such acts.
It demanded that the President instruct Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, to make public the names of MDAs and government officials engaged in the unauthorized use of public funds.
SERAP further urged that the President question the heads of the MDAs concerned, citing Section 80 (2) of the Nigerian Constitution and Articles 5 and 9 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.
The body noted that it expects the advice to be followed within 14 days of receiving the letter, and that failure to do so will result in legal action being taken against the government.
The tweet reads;
SERAP has urged President Buhari to direct the AGF and Minister of Justice Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to investigate the reported spending of over ₦880 billion of public funds by 367 MDAs in 2018 without appropriation
Any such investigation should establish whether public funds have been mismanaged, diverted, or stolen. Anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution as appropriate if there is sufficient admissible evidence and any misappropriated public funds should be fully recovered.
Any such investigation should establish whether public funds have been mismanaged, diverted or stolen. Anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution as appropriate,if there is sufficient admissible evidence,& any misappropriated public funds should be fully recovered
— SERAP (@SERAPNigeria) August 9, 2021
Source: Gossips24.com
