- SERAP urged President Tinubu to publish his asset declaration on his administration’s anniversary to demonstrate commitment to democracy and accountability
- SERAP also recommended creating a database for officials’ asset declarations, enhancing transparency, public trust, and accountability in governance
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to use the first anniversary of his administration as an opportunity to publish his asset declaration form and demonstrate his commitment to democracy, accountability, and openness.
In an open letter dated May 25, 2024, signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization urged President Tinubu also to encourage Vice-President Kashim Shettima, ministers, and state governors to publish their asset declaration forms. SERAP further recommended that the President propose a constitutional amendment to create a database for publishing the asset declarations of government officials before, during, and after their time in public office.
In the open letter dated 25 May 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Widely publishing your asset declaration form and encouraging your Vice-President, ministers, and state governors also widely to publish their assets would serve legitimate public interests.”
SERAP said, ” Publishing your asset declaration form and encouraging others to do so would also promote public trust and establish a system of transparency, accountability, and public participation.”
According to SERAP, “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.
The letter read in part: “You promised in your inaugural speech on May 29, 2023 ‘to take proactive steps to discourage corruption’, and to ensure that ‘Nigeria is impartially governed according to the constitution and the rule of law’.”