Assets declaration: SERAP praises Buhari, Osinbajo

Friday, September 4, 2015 10:12 am

Buhari and Osinbajo: Praises

A Nigerian rights advocacy group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) said the publication of asset declarations by President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo has turned the page on transparency and accountability in Nigeria.”

“Compared to former President Goodluck Jonathan who notoriously failed to declare his assets despite repeated demands by Nigerians, both Buhari and Osinbajo have shown by publicly declaring their assets that transparency doesn’t take years to achieve.”

“Nigerians will now be able to use the assets published as a baseline and thus means for comparison at the end of the term of this government.”

“SERAP urges the Buhari government to also publish asset declarations of their senior officials and ministers once appointed.”

“SERAP hopes that this publication of asset declarations will translate into real reform of the legal and institutional frameworks established to fight corruption and good governance as well as greater respect for human rights including socio-economic rights of Nigerians such as the rights to food, to health, to education and to adequate housing, and thus improved quality of life for ordinary citizens.”

“We also urge President Buhari to urgently take measures to seek amendment of the law relating to declaration of assets to include the requirement of public disclosure so as to bring it in line with international standards and best practices such as the UN Convention against Corruption,” the organisation added.