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SERAP sues Tinubu govt over loans by ex-presidents
SERAP sues Tinubu govt over loans by ex-presidents
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the government of president Bola Tinubu “over the failure to publish spending details of the loans obtained by the governments of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.”
The suit was filed against the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, and the Debt Management Office (DMO).
In the suit number FHC/L/CS/353/2024 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP is asking the court to “direct and compel the Tinubu government to publish the loan agreements obtained by the governments of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.”
SERAP is also asking the court to “direct and compel the Tinubu government to publish the spending details of any such loans, including the interests and other payments so far made on the loans.”
In the suit, SERAP is arguing that, “No one should be able to pull curtains of secrecy around decisions on the spending of public funds which can be revealed without injury to the public interest. Democracy requires accountability and accountability requires transparency.”
SERAP is also arguing that “The Tinubu government should make it possible for citizens to have access to the agreements and spending details to judge whether their government is working for them or not.”
According to SERAP, “The information may help to explain why, despite several billions of dollars in loans obtained by successive governments, millions of Nigerians continue to face extreme poverty and lack access to basic public goods and services.”
SERAP is arguing that, “Nigerians’ right to a democratic governance allows them to appreciably influence the direction of government, and have an opportunity to assess progress and assign blame.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “The accountability of government to the general public is a hallmark of democratic governance, which Nigeria seeks to achieve.”
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The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Andrew Nwankwo, read in part: “Publishing the loan agreements would improve public accountability in ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).”
“Nigerians are entitled to information about what their government is doing in their name. This is part of their right to information.”
“Publishing the agreements and spending details would allow the public to see how and on what these governments spent the loans and foster transparency and accountability.”
“Publishing the loan agreements signed by the governments of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, and widely publishing the agreements would allow Nigerians to scrutinise it and to demand accountability for the spending of the loans.”
“According to Nigeria’s Debt Management Office, the total public domestic debt portfolio for the country’s is N97.3 trillion ($108 billion). The Federal Government’s debt is N87.3 trillion ($97 billion).”
“Nigeria paid $6.2 billion in 2019 as interest on loans while the country paid $6.5 as interest in 2018. Nigeria also paid $5 billion as interest on loans in 2017 while the country paid $4.4 billion as interest in 2016. For 2015, the interest paid on loans was $5.5 billion.”
“Substantial parts of the loans obtained by successive governments since the return of democracy in 1999 may have been mismanaged, diverted or stolen, and in any case remain unaccounted for.”
“Persons with public responsibilities ought to be answerable to the people for the performance of their duties including the management of the loans obtained between May 1999 and May 2023.”
“The Tinubu government has a responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in how any loans obtained by the Federal Government are spent, to reduce vulnerability to corruption and mismanagement.”
“By the combined reading of the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria, the Freedom of Information Act 2011, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, there are transparency obligations imposed on the Tinubu government to widely publish the agreements and details of the projects on which the loans were spent.”
“The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
SERAP sues Tinubu govt over loans by ex-presidents
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BREAKING: FG declares Tuesday public holiday to celebrate 64th Independence
BREAKING: FG declares Tuesday public holiday to celebrate 64th Independence
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 1st of October 2024, as a public holiday to commemorate the Nation’s 64th Independence Day Anniversary.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on this occasion.
In a statement signed Saturday in Abuja, by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the minister praised the patient and hardworking Nigerian men and women, stating that their sacrifices will not be in vain.
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Aligning himself with the theme for the Anniversary, the Minister reiterated the need for Nigerians to reflect on the labour of our heroes past and be inspired for the tasks ahead, realizing that a Nigeria of our dream can only be built when we unite.
While wishing Nigerians a Happy Independence Day Anniversary, Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged the citizens to continue to be steadfast in nation-building.
BREAKING: FG declares Tuesday public holiday to celebrate 64th Independence
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Tinubu makes new appointments
Tinubu makes new appointments
President Bola Tinubu has taken a significant step toward establishing the North West Development Commission (NWDC) by submitting the names of its inaugural Governing Board members to the Senate for approval.
This action follows the President’s recent signing of the North West Development Commission Bill into law on July 24, further advancing the Commission’s formation aimed at the socio-economic development of the region.
According to a statement released by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu has nominated Amb. Haruna Gindau from Jigawa to serve as the Board Chairman. Additionally, Prof. Abdullahi Ma’aji from Kano has been selected as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO).
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Other key nominations for the Board include Dr. Yahaya Umar Namahe (Sokoto), Hon. Aminu Suleiman (Kebbi), and Sen. Tijani Yahaya Kaura (Zamfara). The President also nominated Hon. Abdulkadir S. Usman (Kaduna), Hon. Engr. Muhammad Ali Wudil (Kano), Shamsu Sule (Katsina), and Nasidi Ali (Jigawa) as members of the Board.
The newly appointed members are expected to bring their experience and knowledge to advance the Commission’s mission of driving development across the North-West region.
The NWDC aims to promote economic growth, social development, and empowerment within the region. The statement emphasized the President’s dedication to supporting the Commission in achieving its development goals.
Tinubu makes new appointments
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Wike approves recruitment of 900 health workers, okays 25% salary increase for nurses
Wike approves recruitment of 900 health workers, okays 25% salary increase for nurses
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to recruit 900 healthcare workers to strengthen staffing in its hospitals.
The decision was disclosed by Dr. Babagana Adams, the Permanent Secretary of the Health and Environment Services Secretariat (HESS), during an awards dinner hosted by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) FCT Council.
The event, which served as the conclusion of the 2024 FCT Nurses Week, began with Jumaat prayers on Sept. 20 and culminated with the awards night.
Adams revealed that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has given the green light for the recruitment of the healthcare personnel.
Additionally, approval has been granted for the hiring of 342 other health professionals, with recruitment efforts expected to commence shortly.
In further remarks, Adams stated his intention to submit a proposal advocating for the establishment of a dedicated village for health professionals before the end of the current administration.
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He also indicated that plans were underway to enhance transportation for nurses, with discussions already initiated with WEMA and Zenith banks to facilitate this support.
He emphasized that the forthcoming proposal would include a seamless payment system for these initiatives.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Jama Medan, Chairman of the NANNM FCT Council, called for the expansion of hospitals across the FCT, noting that many districts lack adequate healthcare facilities. He highlighted that the growing population in the FCT has far exceeded the capacity of existing hospitals, underscoring the need for more infrastructure and medical equipment.
Medan encouraged nurses to remain dedicated to their profession despite the challenges of heavy workloads, urging them to resist the temptation to migrate abroad or switch careers. He praised Minister Wike’s efforts to improve conditions in the FCT, expressing optimism that the hard work of healthcare professionals would soon be rewarded.
“The minister has already made significant strides, beginning with the approval of a 25% salary increase and other benefits for nurses,” Medan noted.
During the event, the award for the Best Nurse in the FCT was presented to Rosemary Okoroafor from Karshi General Hospital. The honor was bestowed by Dr. Esther Osunluyi, representing the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America.
Wike approves recruitment of 900 health workers, okays 25% salary increase for nurses
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