Honorable Justice M.B Idris of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has delivered a judgment ordering past successive Nigerian presidents right from 1999 till date to “ensure that they account for all recovered loots, especially stolen public funds”
Governments of Presidents Obasanjo, Yar’ Ádua, Jonathan and Buhari are all captured under this landmark judgment.
This follows a suit order brought in by Socio-Economic Rights And Accountability Project (SERAP) instituting legal action against the Federal Government of Nigeria, asking the court to compel government to make public all looted funds from 1999 administration to date.
According to Olukayode Majekodunmi, SERAP’s deputy executive director : “This judgment confirms the persistent failure of successive governments starting from the Obasanjo government, to respect Nigerians’ right to a corruption-free society and to uphold constitutional and international commitments on transparency and accountability. The judgment is an important step towards reversing a culture of secrecy and corruption that has meant that high-ranking government officials continue to look after themselves at the expense of the well-being of majority of Nigerians, and development of the country.”
“This is a crucial precedent that vindicates the right to a transparent and accountable government and affirms the human right of the Nigerian people to live a life free from want and fear. We are in the process of obtaining a certified copy of the around 60 pages judgment. SERAP will do everything within its power to secure the full and effective enforcement of this judgment.”
