SERAP Gives Governors 7-Day Ultimatum to Disclose Security Vote Spending

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given Nigeria’s 36 State Governors a 7-day ultimatum to disclose how they have spent public funds allocated as “security votes” since May 29, 2023. SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, signed the Freedom of Information (FoI) letter dated June 28, warning that failure to respond within the specified timeframe would trigger legal action to compel accountability.

SERAP cited rising insecurity across Nigeria, including the recent Benue massacre, as a reason for demanding transparency in security vote spending.

The organization accused many Governors of mismanaging or failing to utilize the funds effectively, contravening Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates government to ensure the security and welfare of the people.

According to SERAP, State Governors and Local Government Chairmen allegedly received over ₦375 billion in security votes in 2021, with little to show in terms of improved security outcomes.

SERAP demands that Governors to disclose how they spent security votes since May 29, 2023.

The organization also requested that Governors invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate and monitor security-related expenditures.

SERAP emphasizes that Nigerians have a legitimate right to know how public funds allocated for security are being used.

SERAP therefore warned that failure to disclose expenditure details would amount to a “grave violation of public trust” and a breach of anti-corruption laws.

The organization reaffirmed its legal readiness, stating that the judgment sends a powerful message that Governors can no longer escape accountability for how they spend security votes.