Probe spending of N881bn by 367 MDAs, SERAP tells Buhari
(Nigeria) Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP,
has urged President Muhammadu Buhari “to direct the Attorney General of the
Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, and appropriate
anti-corruption agencies to investigate the reported spending of over ₦880bn of
public funds by 367 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in 2018 without
appropriation.”
SERAP said: “Any such investigation should establish whether
public funds have been mismanaged, diverted or stolen. Anyone suspected to be
responsible should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient
admissible evidence, and any misappropriated public funds should be fully
recovered.”
In the open letter dated August 7, 2021, y SERAP deputy
director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the
organisation said: “These damning revelations suggest a grave violation of the
public trust, the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended], and international
human rights and anti-corruption standards. Spending of public funds without
appropriation will create opportunities for corruption.”
According to SERAP, “Investigating and prosecuting anyone
who spent public funds without appropriation and authorisation will send a
powerful message that this illegal and unconstitutional practice will not be
tolerated under your watch.”
The letter, read in part: “Complying with constitutional
requirements and international standards on spending of public funds would
ensure effective and efficient management of public resources, and put the
country’s wealth and resources to work for the common good of all Nigerians.
This in turn would reduce the growing levels of borrowing and public debts.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken
within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not
heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to
compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.
“According to part 2 of the 2018 annual audited report by
the Auditor-General of the Federation, ₦880,894,733,084.811 was spent by 367
MDAs without appropriation. 14 MDAs reportedly spent ₦162,924,630,539.20
without appropriation. Similarly, 100 MDAs spent ₦229,136,261,325.73 on ‘social
benefits’ without appropriation.
“Furthermore, 151 MDAs exceeded their 2018 Overhead Appropriation by ₦476,625,502,048.87 without any evidence of supplementary appropriation or approved virement to support the extra-budgetary spending. 102 MDAs also reportedly spent ₦12,208,339,171.01 on subsidies without budgetary provisions. The Auditor-General is concerned that the money may have been misappropriated.
“Identifying and naming and shaming those who spent public
funds without appropriation would improve the chances of success of your
government’s oft-repeated commitment to fight corruption and end the impunity
of perpetrators. It will also serve the public interest.
“SERAP is seriously concerned about the adverse consequences
of unconstitutional and poor management of public resources on the human rights
of poor and vulnerable Nigerians, including denying them access to essential
public goods and services such as quality healthcare, education, and clean
water.
“Public confidence and accountability in public
administration are instrumental to the prevention of corruption and greater
efficiency. Transparent and accountable public financial management is a key
pillar of good governance, and of vital importance to provide public goods and
services to citizens, as well as to create and maintain fair and sustainable
economic and social conditions in the country.
“Corruption thrives
in contexts that provide opportunities to engage in illicit conduct, widespread
motives to take advantage of such opportunities and weak controls. The
prevention of corruption is more effective in environments that minimize
opportunities, comply with constitutional and international legal requirements
and standards, as well as encourage integrity.
“SERAP also urges you to direct Mrs Zainab Ahmed, Minister
of Finance Budget and National Planning to publish widely the details of MDAs
and public officials involved in the unconstitutional spending of public funds.
“SERAP urges you to ask the heads of the MDAs involved to explain why they reportedly spent public funds without appropriation, contrary to constitutional and international requirements, and standards of transparency and accountability in the preparation, processes and decisions on their budgets, and to return any money spent without approval to the public treasury.
“Section 80(2) of the Nigerian Constitution provides that no
money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation
except to meet expenditure that is charged upon the fund by the Constitution or
where the issue of the money has been authorized by an Appropriation Act,
Supplementary Appropriation Act or an Act passed in pursuance of section 81 of
the Constitution. “Similarly, articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against
Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party impose legal obligations on your
government to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds, and
to promote sound and transparent administration of public affairs and public
property.”
The letter was copied to Mr Malami; Professor Bolaji
Owasanoye, Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences
Commission, ICPC; Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC; and Mrs Ahmed.
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