SERAP gives FG 7-days to ‘deal with’ states accused of Paris Club refunds fraud

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP) has given the Federal Government seven days to initiate court action against states allegedly involved in the diversion or mismanagement of the London Paris Club refunds.

SERAP in a letter signed by its executive director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, called on the Accountant General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, to without delay pass information regarding the release of N388.304 billion London Paris Club loan refunds to 35 states to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami.

It said with the information from Idris, Malami should institute immediate legal action, on behalf of the Federal Government, against states allegedly involved in the mismanagement and diversion of the fund.

The group said, “This will compel the states to widely publish, including on a dedicated website, details of spending of the funds by them.

“We request that you take this step within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter, failing which SERAP will institute legal proceedings to compel the discharge of duty in this matter.

“Pursuing such action will also send a strong message that President Muhammadu Buhari would not tolerate corruption in the disbursement of funds by his government.”

Read also: Govs dare EFCC to probe Paris Club refunds

Some state governors were alleged to have diverted the Paris Club refunds given to them for other uses in negation to the advice of President Muhammadu Buhari for the funds to be used to offset salary arrears of workers in their different states.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is said to be investigating the states involved with the aim of bringing them to book.

Meanwhile the governors have dared the anti-graft agency to continue with such investigation, adding that they wait to see what its outcome will amount to.

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