SERAP drags FG to court over information on recovered stolen funds

Socio-Economic Rightsand Accountability Project (SERAP), has dragged the Federal Government to a Federal High Court sitting in Ikeja, over alleged failure to release information and documents on the spending of recovered stolen funds.The case, which was filed last week, followed a Freedom of Information request to the Accountant General of the Federation dated September 26, 2011.The motion exparte with suit number FHC/IKJ/CS/248/2011 was brought pursuant to section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act, and Order 34 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2009, and signed by Adetokunbo Mumuni.The plaintiff in the suit is arguing that under the FOI Act, it had the right to request for or gain access to information which is in the custody or possession of any public official, agency or institution.The suit wants an order granting leave to the plaintiff/applicant to apply for judicial relief and to seek an order of mandamus directing and or compelling the defendants/respondents whether by themselves and/or their agents, to disclose to and or make available to the applicant the information requested as contained in a letter dated September 26, 2011 to the Accountant General of the Federation.According to the plaintiff, 'the disclosure of the information requested will give the general public a true picture and a clear understanding of how the spending of recovered public stolen funds have impacted on the lives of the poor and indigent and other disadvantaged Nigerians.'SERAP is also seeking for:"A declaration that the failure and/or refusal of the respondents to individually and/or collectively disclose detailed information about the spending of recovered stolen public funds since the return of civilian rule in 1999, and to publish widely such information, including on a dedicated website, amounts to a breach of the fundamental principles of transparency and accountability and violates Articles 9, 21 and 22 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.
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