CurrentReport Blog In a significant move to promote transparency and accountability in governance, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to publish his asset declaration form. This appeal, issued by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, comes as President Tinubu marks his first anniversary in office.
SERAP has also urged President Tinubu to encourage Vice President Kashim Shettima, his ministers, and state governors to follow suit by making their asset declarations public. This call aims to reinforce the administration’s commitment to democracy, accountability, and openness.
In an open letter dated May 25, 2024, SERAP highlighted the importance of transparency in governance. The letter emphasized that making asset declarations public would serve legitimate public interests, promote public trust, and establish a system of transparency and accountability.
“Publishing your asset declaration form and encouraging your Vice-President, ministers, and state governors to also widely publish their assets would serve legitimate public interests,” the letter stated. “Openness and transparency in the details of asset declaration forms of high-level public officials would strengthen the country’s democracy and promote accountability at all levels of government.”
SERAP has further suggested that President Tinubu should propose a constitutional amendment to create an asset declaration database. This database would publish the asset declaration forms of government officials before, during, and after their service in public office, ensuring continuous transparency and accountability.
The letter also reminded President Tinubu of his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, where he promised to take proactive steps to discourage corruption and ensure that Nigeria is governed impartially according to the constitution and the rule of law.
“We urge you to use your first anniversary in office as an important opportunity to underscore and reaffirm your oft-repeated commitment to democratic governance, openness, and public accountability by immediately taking concrete steps to implement the proposed recommendations,” SERAP’s letter read.
The organization stressed that transparency in asset declarations would enable Nigerians to scrutinize the forms, verify the financial situations of public officials, and alert authorities to potential conflicts of interest and corruption.
SERAP’s requests align with the public interest and adhere to the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) and Nigeria’s international anti-corruption and human rights obligations.
