The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Minister of Finance, Olawale Edun, to withhold federal allocations from states that have failed to conduct credible local government elections. SERAP insists that funds from the Federation Account should only be allocated to democratically elected local government councils.
In a letter dated October 5, 2024, and signed by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization urged the president to provide details about local government councils that receive federal allocations and confirm whether these councils are democratically elected, in line with the Nigerian Constitution and a Supreme Court ruling from July 11, 2024.
SERAP also requested that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) be invited to monitor the spending of allocations by elected local government councils across the country.
In the letter, SERAP emphasized that democratically elected local government councils should not be subject to the whims of governors or political elites. The organization asserted that ensuring direct payments to these councils is essential for promoting good governance and local development.
SERAP stated that it expects the recommended actions to be implemented within seven days, warning that it may pursue legal action if there is no response by then.
The letter concluded by reinforcing the need for accountability and adherence to the rule of law, particularly regarding the Supreme Court’s directive on funding local governments.