The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a one-week ultimatum to the Federal Government over investigative audit into the spending of “ecological Fund by governments in any respect ranges—federal, state and native governments from 2001 to date.”
This was contained in an announcement issued on Sunday by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare.
The rights group urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, and acceptable anti-corruption businesses to promptly and completely examine” the funds.
This enchantment got here within the wake of the ravaging flooding in some components of the nation has resulted within the loss of over 600 lives, displacement of greater than one million individuals, and destruction of properties price billions. The most affected states embrace Anambra, Delta, Kogi, Rivers, Benue, Yobe, Cross River and Bayelsa.
SERAP mentioned, “Suspected perpetrators of corruption and mismanagement ought to face prosecution as acceptable, if there’s ample admissible proof, and any lacking public funds must be absolutely recovered.
“Trillions of ecological funds have allegedly gone down the drain. The ensuing human prices straight threaten human rights – rights to life and to a spot to stay – rights that your authorities has an obligation to shield.”
Read additionally:2023 BUDGET: SERAP condemns N13.8bn entitlements to ex-presidents, VPs, others active in politics
“Irrespective of the trigger of a risk to human rights, your authorities nonetheless has optimistic obligations to use all of the means inside its disposal to uphold the human rights of these affected.”
“Although ecological funds are shared throughout the three tiers of authorities, and emergency administration businesses, the funds are managed and supervised by the Federal Government.”
“Your authorities has the authorized obligations to maintain all tiers of authorities and emergency administration businesses to account, and to hint, discover, and recuperate any lacking ecological funds.”
“Your authorities has the authorized obligations to deal with the calamitous penalties of flooding for the human rights of hundreds of thousands of folks, and to forestall and deal with some of the direst penalties that local weather change could reap on human rights, particularly given the disproportionate impression on weak folks and communities.”
“Your authorities should use all means obtainable to it to forestall and deal with the threats to human rights that outcome from local weather change, and to present entry to efficient cures for victims when these rights are violated.”
“We could be grateful if the advisable measures are taken inside 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we’ve got not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take into account acceptable authorized actions to compel your authorities to adjust to our request within the public curiosity.”
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