Floods: Probe spending of billions of ecological funds by Borno govt, SERAP tells Tinubu
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate the spending of billions of naira from the Ecological Fund collected by Borno State since 2001. This includes N816 million received between January and June 2024.
In a letter dated September 21, 2024, SERAP stated, “Suspected perpetrators of allegations of corruption and mismanagement of ecological funds should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any proceeds of corruption should be fully recovered.” They urged the President to ensure that victims of flooding in Borno receive justice and effective remedies.
The organisation expressed concern over the recent floods in Borno, which reportedly killed over 30 people and affected nearly one million residents. SERAP highlighted the urgent need for the government to provide “adequate food, shelter, safe drinking water, access to sanitation, and other basic aid” to those impacted.
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“Your government has a legal obligation to address the prevalence of flooding across the country and ensure that the money meant to stop the floods is not lost to corruption,” SERAP noted in the letter. They emphasized that the funds managed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation should be utilized transparently to combat ecological challenges.
SERAP also pointed out that Borno State has received millions monthly from the Ecological Fund, yet there are concerns about the mismanagement and diversion of these funds. “Ecological funds have been allegedly spent for other purposes such as election campaigns and political patronage,” the organization warned.
In response to the government’s inaction, SERAP threatened to consider legal actions if there is no response within seven days. “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter,” they stated.
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