The Federal High Court in Lagos has issued a landmark ruling directing former Minister Sadia Umar-Farouk to provide a comprehensive account of the distribution of N729 billion allocated to support 24.3 million impoverished Nigerians over a six-month period. This significant legal development stems from a Freedom of Information suit initiated by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in public expenditure.
According to Channels TV, the judgment, delivered by Hon. Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu last month under suit number FHC/L/CS/853/2021, underscores the court's commitment to upholding the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, confirmed the authenticity of the judgment, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding public funds and ensuring they are utilized judiciously for the benefit of Nigeria's most vulnerable populations.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu mandated the former minister to disclose detailed records of how beneficiaries were selected and the mechanisms employed in disbursing funds. Specifically, he ordered clarification on the rationale behind the decision to allocate N5,000 to each of the 24.3 million recipients, amounting to five percent of Nigeria's 2021 budget of N13.6 trillion. This directive aims to shed light on the criteria used and ensure that the disbursement process adheres to legal and ethical standards.
The court's decision also addressed procedural objections raised by the minister's legal counsel, upholding SERAP's arguments and rejecting claims of non-compliance with statutory timelines. Justice Dipeolu emphasized that SERAP had followed due process in initiating the legal action within the stipulated time frames outlined in the Freedom of Information Act and Federal High Court rules.
In response to the judgment, Kolawole Oluwadare of SERAP hailed it as a breakthrough for transparency and public accountability. He stressed the urgent need for government institutions, including the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disasters Management and Social Development, to comply promptly with the court's directives. Oluwadare highlighted systemic concerns of corruption within government agencies, echoing calls for comprehensive reforms to address financial mismanagement and enhance governance effectiveness.
Legal experts, including Femi Falana, SAN, commended SERAP for its diligence in pursuing accountability in public administration. They urged the government to view the court's ruling as an opportunity to rectify past lapses and restore public trust in governance processes. In a letter to President Bola Tinubu, SERAP reiterated its call for immediate compliance with the court order, stressing the importance of respecting judicial decisions to uphold the rule of law.
The lawsuit against the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disasters Management and Social Development stemmed from her decision in early 2021 to allocate financial aid to millions of Nigerians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The court's intervention signifies a pivotal moment in Nigeria's legal landscape, reinforcing the judiciary's role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and equitable distribution of public resources.
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