The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to publicly disclose his asset declaration, as well as to encourage Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, National Assembly leaders, state governors, and local government chairmen to do the same.
In a letter dated December 28, 2024, SERAP praised Tinubu for his consideration to request the CCB to release his asset declaration, urging him to follow through on this intent.
The organization stressed the importance of transparency in asset declarations to minimize corruption opportunities within the government.
SERAP argued that secrecy in asset declarations continues to fuel corruption, particularly in state and local governments, and called on the president to ensure public officials’ assets are made public as a means of enhancing accountability and public trust.
The group also urged Tinubu to champion the implementation of the Supreme Court’s July 2024 ruling, which prohibits governors from seizing local government funds, and to hold those in violation of the ruling accountable.
“Public access to asset declarations promotes public trust and ensures transparency, which is vital in restoring confidence in government institutions and reducing misuse of public resources,” SERAP stated.
The organization acknowledged Nigeria’s constitutional and international obligations to ensure transparency and anti-corruption measures in public office.
“We welcome your reported intention to request the CCB to publish your assets as a significant step forward,” SERAP wrote.
“However, your commitment would carry more weight if you promptly acted by asking the CCB to release your asset details and encouraging your Vice President, ministers, National Assembly leaders, state governors, and local government chairmen to do the same.”
SERAP further emphasized that secrecy in asset declarations creates opportunities for public officials to misappropriate public funds, particularly in local and state governments.
It urged Tinubu to take action in ensuring the immediate and effective implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling, which protects local government funds from being diverted by state governors.
The letter also referenced the constitutional provisions and international agreements binding Nigeria to uphold transparency and anti-corruption standards, particularly highlighting the importance of asset declarations as a measure against corruption.
SERAP emphasized that the best path toward reducing corruption in Nigeria is strict adherence to the rule of law, which includes the full implementation of the Supreme Court ruling, and a public commitment to transparency at all levels of government.
