The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to probe how the funds allocated monthly to the 774 local governments in the country are being spent.
The SERAP made the request in a letter dated November 1 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.
SERAP asked the President to order the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, or appropriate anti-corruption agencies to urgently investigate corruption allegations in the use of the monies.
It also sought investigations into the alleged complicity of some state governors in corruption cases involving local government allocations between 1999 and 2019.
The organisation urged that in the case where there was relevant and sufficient admissible evidence, suspected perpetrators should be prosecuted by relevant agencies and stolen public funds be recovered.
It explained that the letter to the President became necessary following the arrest of 16 local government chairmen in Kwara State by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“Investigating state governors and local government chairmen over allegations of corruption and abuse of power in the use of federal allocations meant to provide public goods and services would best serve the general public interests and welfare.
“We request that you take the recommended action within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter, failing which SERAP will institute legal proceedings to compel your government to act in the public interest,” the group said.
It explained that its request was based on the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), the country’s anti-corruption legislation and international obligations, particularly the UN Convention against Corruption.
According to SERAP, Section 7(6)(a) of the Constitution anticipates the allocation of public revenue to the 774 local governments in the country.
It added that the proposed investigations and prosecution do not offend the constitutional principles of the federation in any way, shape or form.
