SERAP has taken legal action against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for failing to disclose spending details of the N400 billion saved from the removal of the petrol subsidy. The lawsuit seeks a court order mandating President Tinubu to publish the expenditures of the subsidy savings as of 29 May 2023, reveal plans for the savings, and share specifics of safeguards to prevent misuse.
The organization emphasizes that transparency is essential for the public to know how the savings are utilized, which would help minimize corruption risks. They argue that the administration has a duty to ensure the savings directly benefit the 137 million impoverished Nigerians most affected by the subsidy’s removal.
SERAP warns that without transparency, the savings may be misappropriated, embezzled, or diverted. They believe that openness in spending details would increase public trust and confidence in the government’s activities.
The suit cites the Nigerian Constitution, the Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations, which all support citizens’ right to access information regarding government activities. The removal of the petrol subsidy has had negative and disproportionate effects on poor Nigerians, undermining their right to an adequate standard of living.
The lack of transparency and accountability in spending public funds, along with allegations of corruption and mismanagement, has eroded public trust in governments at all levels.
SERAP contends that the government has a legal obligation to address the effects of subsidy removal on the human rights of impoverished Nigerians and prevent dire consequences. They argue that the government’s responsibility is to secure the maximum welfare and happiness of citizens based on social justice and equality.
The lawsuit also refers to international conventions, such as the UN Convention against Corruption, which impose legal obligations on the government to manage public affairs and funds properly and promote transparent administration.
As of now, no date has been set for the hearing of the suit. SERAP’s legal action aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the spending of the subsidy savings and subsequent funds to benefit poor Nigerians and protect their human rights.
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