SERAP Demands Public Asset Declaration from President Tinubu
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to mark his first year in office by publishing his assets.
SERAP urged the President to use this opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to democracy, accountability, and transparency in government.
The organization also encouraged Vice-President Kashim Shettima, ministers, and state governors to publicly declare their assets.
Additionally, SERAP called for a constitutional amendment to create asset declaration databases that would make government officials’ asset declaration forms accessible before, during, and after their time in public office.
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In the open letter dated 25 May 2024 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Widely publishing your asset declaration form and encouraging your Vice-President, ministers, and state governors to also widely publish their assets would serve legitimate public interests.”
SERAP said: “Publishing your asset declaration form and encouraging others to do so would also promote public trust and establish a system of transparency, accountability and public participation.”
According to SERAP, “Openness and transparency in the details of asset declaration forms of high-level public officials would strengthen the country’s democracy and promote accountability at all levels of government.
The letter read in part: “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.
“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.”
