Democracy abhors secrecy, reveal who owns Ikoyi N18bn cash, SERAP tells Buhari

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to reveal the identity of the owner of the N13billion found by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The group noted that democracy does not thrive in secrecy, and as such government has to provide the people with answers.

There have been controversies following the discovery of $43.4million, N23million and £27,000, which amounted to about N18billion, found by the EFCC.

Both Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and the National Intelligence Agency last week reportedly claimed ownership of the cash.

But SERAP in a statement released on Sunday by its executive director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, asked President Muhammadu Buhari to “urgently address the country on the matter so as to clarify the issue, and resolve lingering doubts among Nigerians regarding the real owner(s) of the cash.”

He further called on the President to ensure there is legal backing for his government’s whistle-blowing policy by vigorously pursuing the passing by the National Assembly of the Whistle-blower Bill.

Part of the statement read, “The government’s increasing reliance on whistle-blowers’ tips to fight corruption has to be backed by some level of transparency and accountability in the real identities of those claiming recovered cash. Clearing the doubts surrounding the real identities of those behind the Ikoyi cash haul would demonstrate that the president values transparency over secrecy, provide further encouragement to blow the whistle on governmental corruption, and enhance the public right to know.

“Democracy abhors secrecy, and for Nigerians to be able to hold elected leaders accountable, they must have access to information such as on the real identities of those behind the Ikoyi cash haul. This transparency is fundamental to the operation of the government’s whistle-blower policy, and inextricably rooted in the notions of good governance and the rule of law under the 1999 Nigerian constitution (as amended).

Read also: NIA claim to N13bn Ikoyi stash, a plot to cover-up real owner –Fayose

“No good comes from secrecy in governance, as officials who have become accustomed to operating without accountability are loath to relinquish the power that comes from conducting their business without public scrutiny. When public authorities resist efforts to shine a light on their activities, it gives the impression that there is something to hide. It’s counter-productive to overstate national security based secrecy needs, as secrecy encourages poorly informed and under-vetted decision-making.”

“The policy of giving whistle-blowers some percentage of recovered loot would seem to be a game changer in the fight against corruption but this government now has to squarely address the significant risks that those who blow the whistle face by urgently working with the National Assembly to ensure the necessary legal backing that would ensure protection against reprisals and attacks.

“The government should ensure that the National Assembly expedites the process of passing the Whistle-Blower Bill, as ensuring that the bill is passed without further delay would recognise the necessity of whistle-blowers and the value they add to the anti-corruption fight by reporting otherwise unknown corruption-related information. It would also ensure that whistle-blowers are fully protected from any retaliation and attacks they may experience, and that the government fully appreciates the information they provide”, SERAP stated.

 

 

 

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