The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, asking the federal government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to publicly identify the beneficiaries of Covid-19 relief packages.

Development Diaries understands that the group, in an issued statement, said it was concerned about the distribution of palliatives by the federal government and, therefore, filed a Freedom of Information (FoI) request dated 4 April, 2020.

The group said, ‘Millions of the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people have not benefited from the announced palliatives, donations, reported cash payments, cash transfers and other reliefs’.

The lawsuit, FHC/ABJ/CS/657/2020, filed by SERAP’s counsel, Kolawole Oluwadare, and Joke Fekumo, read, ‘By a combined reading of the FoI Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Ms Umar-Farouk and [Godwin] Emefiele ought to be directed and compelled to make public details of those that have benefited from Covid-19 funds and donations.

‘Any perception that the reliefs, funds and donations are not reaching intended beneficiaries would undermine public trust and the integrity of the entire processes and modes of distribution of reliefs/benefits to these Nigerians.

‘Both the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disasters Management and Social Development, and the CBN governor have a legal duty to ensure that information on the details of those who have so far benefited from Covid-19 funds and donations is released to SERAP upon requests, and that the information is widely published.

‘Yet, both the minister and the CBN governor have completely ignored SERAP’s requests’. Blogtrepreneur

Source: ThisDay

Photo source: Blogtrepreneur