In response to damning revelations outlined in the 2021 Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) report, SERAP has initiated legal proceedings against President Bola Tinubu.
The lawsuit specifically calls for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged disappearance of over $15 billion in oil revenues and the unaccounted-for N200 billion allocated for refinery repairs during the period spanning 2020 to 2021.
This legal action, encapsulated in the suit filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos (FHC/L/CS/2334/2023), extends beyond probing the missing funds.
SERAP seeks an “order of mandamus” compelling President Tinubu to direct relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate corruption allegations involving key entities like the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited (NPDC) and State-Owned Enterprises (SOE).
Furthermore, the organization is pressing for an order directing President Tinubu to utilize any recovered proceeds from corruption to enhance the well-being of Nigerians.
SERAP contends that such legal interventions are essential in ensuring justice and accountability for the serious allegations outlined in the NEITI report.
Emphasizing the significance of public interest, SERAP argues that granting these reliefs would mark a crucial step toward ending the perceived impunity enjoyed by perpetrators and securing justice for those affected by corruption.
The organization highlights the adverse effects of corruption on economic development, poverty levels, and opportunities for the majority of Nigerians.
The lawsuit, presented by SERAP’s legal team, comprising Kolawole Oluwadare, Andrew Nwankwo, and Ms. Valentina Adegoke, underscores the constitutional duty of the Tinubu government to uphold transparency and accountability in managing the nation’s oil wealth.
Citing constitutional provisions, such as Section 13, which mandates adherence to Chapter 2, and Section 15(5), which requires the government to “abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power,” SERAP contends that the government has a responsibility under Section 16(1) to secure the maximum welfare, freedom, and happiness of every citizen.
The organization also invokes international obligations, pointing to articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption, which place legal responsibilities on the government to manage public affairs and funds transparently.
Additionally, the lawsuit references Nigeria’s participation in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), emphasizing the nation’s commitment to international norms on revenue transparency.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the Nigerian public awaits further developments on this significant legal challenge to address the allegations of missing oil revenues and corruption in the country.
