The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to release his declared assets to the public.
In a statement dated December 28, 2024, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, also encouraged Tinubu to persuade Vice-President Kashim Shettima, ministers, governors, and National Assembly leaders to follow his example.
The organisation praised Tinubu’s recent remarks during his first Presidential Media Chat, where he indicated willingness to ask the CCB to disclose his assets.
“We commend your intent to promote transparency and accountability by considering this important step,” SERAP stated. However, they urged prompt action, noting that swift directives would bolster public trust.
SERAP emphasised that secrecy around asset declarations enables corruption at all levels of government, including ministries, departments, agencies, and local governments.
The organisation linked transparency to the Supreme Court’s July 2024 ruling barring governors from misusing local government funds, urging Tinubu to enforce compliance with the judgment.
“Your leadership on this issue can drive accountability and curb corruption, especially at state and local government levels,” SERAP wrote, stressing the broader threat corruption poses to Nigeria’s democracy and economic stability.
The group highlighted constitutional and legal mandates requiring asset declarations by public officials, expressing hope that Tinubu’s example would set a new standard for governance in Nigeria.
