…this is groundbreaking judgement -SERAP
In a landmark judgment, the Federal High Court in Lagos has directed former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, to account for the staggering N729 billion paid to 24.3 million poor Nigerians over six months.
The court ordered the former minister to provide a detailed list of beneficiaries, the number of states covered, and the payments made per state.
Analysts and commentators have described Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu’s ruling as a resounding victory for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) had brought the Freedom of Information suit, and the judgment is a testament to their tireless efforts to promote transparency and accountability in government.
Reacting to the judgment, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, praised the court’s decision, stating, “This groundbreaking judgment shows the urgent need for the Tinubu government to address corruption allegations in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and other ministries”.
The organization has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Attorney-General to comply with the court’s orders and release the spending details of the N729 billion.
“Kudos to the Federal High Court and SERAP for this landmark decision! Your commitment to transparency and accountability is truly commendable. Let’s hope the Tinubu administration takes heed and obeys the court’s orders”, an analyst while reacting to the ruling, had stated.