The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) is urging President Bola Tinubu to investigate the spending of ecological funds in Borno State, citing concerns of corruption and mismanagement. Specifically, SERAP wants Tinubu to look into the N816 million collected by Borno State between January and June 2024, as well as the billions of naira collected since 2001 ¹.
SERAP is worried that ecological funds may have been diverted, mismanaged, or left unaccounted for, highlighting reports of mismanagement, diversion of funds, and substandard or abandoned projects. The organization also notes that ecological funds have allegedly been spent on election campaigns and political patronage.
Key Concerns:
- Corruption and Mismanagement: SERAP suspects that ecological funds have been diverted or mismanaged
- Lack of Transparency: The organization notes that the management of ecological funds lacks transparency and accountability
- Human Rights Violations: SERAP argues that the mismanagement of ecological funds threatens fundamental human rights, including the right to life, food, shelter, and safe drinking water
SERAP is calling on Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to identify and ensure access to justice and effective remedies for affected victims in Borno State. The organization also wants Tinubu to instruct the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to track and monitor the spending of ecological funds by all tiers of government and emergency management agencies.
Recommended Actions:
- Investigate Ecological Funds: Tinubu should investigate the spending of ecological funds in Borno State
- Ensure Transparency and Accountability: The government should promote transparency and accountability in the management of ecological funds
- Protect Human Rights: Tinubu’s administration should ensure that the rights of flood victims are protected and that they receive adequate aid and support.
