The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to withhold federal allocations to states that fail to conduct credible local government elections.
SERAP gave the advice on Oct. 5, 2024 through a letter signed by its Deputy Director. Mr. Kolawole Oluwadare, a lawyer.
It urged Tinubu to direct Mr. Olawale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for Economy, to ensure that allocations from the Federation Account are paid only to democratically elected local government council as required by the Nigerian Constitution and the Supreme Court judgment delivered in July 2024.
SERAP also requested the President to invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to jointly monitor how federal allocations are spent by local government councils.
The organization said his would promote accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.
SERAP said several state governors were not complying with the ruling of the Supreme Court and were delaying local government elections, contrary to Section 7(1) of the Nigerian Constitution.
It gave Tinubu seven days to take action on its letter or it might be compelled to take a legal action to compel the government to enforce the Supreme Court’s decision and ensure compliance with the rule of law.
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