Kehinde Fajobi
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action by instructing the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to make his asset declaration public.
In addition to this, SERAP called on the President to encourage Vice-President Kashim Shettima, federal ministers, National Assembly leaders, state governors, and local government chairpersons to follow his lead and request the publication of their assets.
During his first Presidential Media Chat on Monday, Tinubu reportedly expressed willingness to consider making his asset declaration public, saying, “I will consider asking the CCB to release my assets.”
In a letter dated 28 December 2024 and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP commended this statement as a positive step but stressed the need for immediate action.
The group noted, “Your consideration is significant, but its impact would be greater if you acted promptly to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.”
The organisation pointed out that secrecy in asset declarations by public officials creates an environment conducive to corruption at all levels of government.
It added, “When asset declarations are kept confidential, it provides opportunities for the misuse of public funds for private gain. Transparency in this process would significantly reduce such risks.”
SERAP further criticised the lack of accountability in local governments and state administrations, calling on Tinubu to enforce the Supreme Court’s ruling of 11 July 2024, which barred state governors from seizing control of local government funds.
The letter stated, “For transparency to be effective at the state and local levels, it is crucial to implement the Supreme Court’s decision prohibiting governors from taking over local government finances.”
The organisation emphasised that publishing asset declarations would rebuild public trust and ensure good governance.
“Encouraging your Vice-President, ministers, and other government officials to disclose their assets would send a strong message about your administration’s commitment to accountability,” the letter added.
By setting this example, SERAP argued, Tinubu could strengthen the fight against corruption and promote integrity in public office across all tiers of government.