Details as SERAP Sues Wike, Governors Over Unaccounted Loans, Others
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated a lawsuit against 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike.
The legal action centers on alleged failures to transparently manage and disclose the specifics of substantial loans amounting to N5.9 trillion and $4.6 billion.
This judicial move by SERAP follows revelations by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State regarding the financial burdens left by the previous administration, which include a staggering debt of $587 million and N85 billion, along with 115 contractual liabilities. These financial obligations have severely hampered the state’s ability to meet its payroll obligations.
Filed in the Federal High Court, Abuja, under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/592/2024, the lawsuit seeks a court directive to compel the governors and Mr. Wike to provide detailed accounts of the loans acquired, the projects funded by these debts, and to publicize the terms of the loan agreements.
Moreover, SERAP is requesting the court to mandate an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) into how these loans have been utilized by the state governments and the FCT minister.
SERAP argues that transparency in these financial matters is crucial for public trust and accountability, stating that the concealment of such details undermines the fundamental interests of the citizens. The organization highlights that many states and the FCT are not only in arrears regarding civil servants’ salaries and pensions but are also accused of misusing public funds to support extravagant lifestyles for politicians.
The date for the hearing of the lawsuit is yet to be scheduled.