A civil society group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has hailed the publication of assets by President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, saying, the declaration has turn the page on transparency and accountability in Nigeria.
In a statement by the Executive Director of the organisation, Adetokunbo Mumuni said. “Nigerians will now be able to use the assets published as a baseline and thus means for comparison at the end of the term of this government.”
The statement reads:
“Today’s publication of asset declarations by President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo turns the page on transparency and accountability in Nigeria,” Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has said.
“Compared to former President Goodluck Jonathan who notoriously failed to declare his assets despite repeated demands by Nigerians, both Buhari and Osinbajo have shown by publicly declaring their assets that transparency doesn’t take years to achieve.”
“Nigerians will now be able to use the assets published as a baseline and thus means for comparison at the end of the term of this government.”
“SERAP urges the Buhari government to also publish asset declarations of their senior officials and ministers once appointed.”“SERAP hopes that this publication of asset declarations will translate into real reform of the legal and institutional frameworks established to fight corruption and good governance as well as greater respect for human rights including socio-economic rights of Nigerians such as the rights to food, to health, to education and to adequate housing, and thus improved quality of life for ordinary citizens.”
“We also urge President Buhari to urgently take measures to seek amendment of the law relating to declaration of assets to include the requirement of public disclosure so as to bring it in line with international standards and best practices such as the UN Convention against Corruption,” the organisation added.
