The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a one-week ultimatum to all 36 state governors, demanding transparency regarding their expenditure of the N2 billion palliative funds provided by the Federal Government.
In August, the Federal Government allocated a N5 billion palliative package to each state, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), aimed at mitigating the consequences of removing the fuel subsidy.
Finance Minister Wale Edun revealed last Friday that the Federal Government had disbursed N2 billion to each state from the N5 billion palliative fund.
Responding to this, SERAP released a statement on Sunday, urging Nigerian governors to furnish a comprehensive account of how they utilized the palliative funds received from Abuja.
ALSO READ: Sanwo-olu Embraces NURTW, Dissolves Park, Garages Committee
The group’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, urged the respective states to “disclose details on spending of the N2 billion palliative recently disbursed to each state by the Federal Government, including the names of beneficiaries and details of the reliefs so far provided with the money.”
“It is in the public interest to publish the details on spending of the N2 billion palliative and any subsequent disbursement of funds to your government,” the statement read.
“Nigerians have the right to know how their states are spending the fuel subsidy relief funds. It is part of their legally enforceable human rights.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven 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 you and your state to comply with our request in the public interest.”
