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Naija News reports that the organisation, in a statement on Sunday signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, also called on Tinubu to encourage Vice-President Kashim Shettima, ministers, state governors, and National Assembly leaders to follow suit.
SERAP said Tinubu’s immediate action to request the CCB to publish his assets and encourage other government officials to do the same will promote public trust, transparency, and accountability.
The organisation commended Tinubu for his recent statement during his first Presidential Media Chat, in which he indicated that he might request the CCB to release his assets.
However, SERAP urged the President to act swiftly, stating that consideration would carry greater weight if promptly followed by directives.
The organisation highlighted the damaging effects of secrecy surrounding public officials’ asset declarations, describing it as a significant contributor to corruption across all levels of government.
The statement read, “We welcome your reported decision to consider asking the CCB to publish your assets as a significant development and a signal of your intent, willingness, and commitment to show leadership on this important matter of public interest.
“Your immediate action to request the CCB to publish your assets and encouraging your Vice-President, ministers, National Assembly leaders, state governors, and local government chairmen to do the same will promote public trust, transparency, and accountability.
“Secrecy in the assets declared by high-ranking public officials to the CCB continues to facilitate corruption in the country’s 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and within ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and local governments.”
SERAP also linked transparency in asset declarations to the Supreme Court ruling on July 11, 2024, which barred state governors from taking over local government funds. The group urged Tinubu to enforce this ruling.
The group stressed the urgency of enforcing the ruling to reduce corruption and ensure public funds earmarked for local governments are used for essential services.
The statement added, “Transparency and accountability at the state and local government levels won’t materialise without your push for the immediate implementation of the Supreme Court decision.
“Despite the judgment, several state governors reportedly continue to divert local government funds.
“Your expressed commitment to transparency should include holding governors accountable for contempt of court if they persist in disobeying the Supreme Court judgment,” SERAP wrote.
“Corruption is one of the greatest challenges to improving Nigeria’s democracy and rebuilding a transparent, accountable, and participatory system of governance. One way corrupt politicians perpetuate corruption is through hiding assets.
“We hope that these recommendations will guide your steps in asking the CCB to publish your assets and encouraging others to do the same.”
