The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to commemorate his first year in office by publicly releasing his asset declaration form.
SERAP also urged the President to encourage Vice-President Kashim Shettima, ministers, and state governors to follow suit.
In an open letter dated May 25, 2024, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization emphasized the importance of such a move in promoting public trust and establishing a transparent governance system.
The letter highlighted that publishing these forms would serve legitimate public interests and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy by enhancing accountability at all government levels.
The group also urged President Tinubu to propose a constitutional amendment to create a database for publishing asset declaration forms of government officials before, during, and after their service.
This, they argue, would allow for public scrutiny and help in identifying potential conflicts of interest and corruption.
“You promised in your inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, ‘to take proactive steps to discourage corruption’ and to ensure that ‘Nigeria is impartially governed according to the constitution and the rule of law’,” the letter reminded President Tinubu.
“We urge you to use your first anniversary in office as an important opportunity to underscore and reaffirm your oft-repeated commitment to democratic governance, openness, and public accountability by immediately taking concrete steps to implement the proposed recommendations,” the group stated.
SERAP reiterated that asset declaration forms are of public interest and should be accessible through a dedicated website.
The group lamented that corruption remains a significant challenge to improving Nigeria’s democracy and that transparency in public officials’ assets would increase public confidence in government integrity.
The letter also referenced the Nigerian Constitution and international anti-corruption treaties, which mandate public officials to declare their assets.
It stated, “According to the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, contained in Part I of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Nigerian Constitution [as amended], all public officers are to declare their assets.”
SERAP further explained that the Nigerian Constitution and international treaties underline the importance of asset declaration in promoting transparency and preventing corruption.
The organization expressed hope that President Tinubu and other high-ranking officials would publish their asset declaration forms to foster a culture of openness and accountability in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, has lauded President Tinubu’s inaugural year in office, stressing that there have been significant strides made across various sectors.
However, Agbakoba emphasized the critical need for accelerated implementation to realize transformative goals and address pressing national issues.
While acknowledging the achievements, Agbakoba underscored the imperative for Tinubu’s government to prioritize key areas such as security, power, and industrialization for maximum impact.
