The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to publicly disclose his asset declaration, as well as to encourage Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, National Assembly leaders, state governors, and local government chairmen to do the same.

In a letter dated December 28, 2024, SERAP praised Tinubu for his consideration to request the CCB to release his asset declaration, urging him to follow through on this intent.

The organization stressed the importance of transparency in asset declarations to minimize corruption opportunities within the government.

SERAP argued that secrecy in asset declarations continues to fuel corruption, particularly in state and local governments, and called on the president to ensure public officials’ assets are made public as a means of enhancing accountability and public trust.

The group also urged Tinubu to champion the implementation of the Supreme Court’s July 2024 ruling, which prohibits governors from seizing local government funds, and to hold those in violation of the ruling accountable.

“Public access to asset declarations promotes public trust and ensures transparency, which is vital in restoring confidence in government institutions and reducing misuse of public resources,” SERAP stated.

The organization acknowledged Nigeria’s constitutional and international obligations to ensure transparency and anti-corruption measures in public office.

“We welcome your reported intention to request the CCB to publish your assets as a significant step forward,” SERAP wrote.

“However, your commitment would carry more weight if you promptly acted by asking the CCB to release your asset details and encouraging your Vice President, ministers, National Assembly leaders, state governors, and local government chairmen to do the same.”

SERAP further emphasized that secrecy in asset declarations creates opportunities for public officials to misappropriate public funds, particularly in local and state governments.

It urged Tinubu to take action in ensuring the immediate and effective implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling, which protects local government funds from being diverted by state governors.

The letter also referenced the constitutional provisions and international agreements binding Nigeria to uphold transparency and anti-corruption standards, particularly highlighting the importance of asset declarations as a measure against corruption.

SERAP emphasized that the best path toward reducing corruption in Nigeria is strict adherence to the rule of law, which includes the full implementation of the Supreme Court ruling, and a public commitment to transparency at all levels of government.

The Chairman of Egor Local Government Area in Edo State, Eghe Ogbemudia, and her Deputy, Frank Osawe, have been impeached by the legislative arm of the council.

The council members also suspended key officers, including Hon. Bosede Omokaro, the Majority Leader; Hon. Iwinosa Enabulele; and Hon. Elliot Inneh Enni, the Chief Whip.

The impeachment followed four charges: alleged gross misconduct, abuse of office, financial mismanagement, unlawful withholding of statutory allowances for a principal member and three other councillors, as well as budget padding.

The motion for impeachment was presented by Hon. Nosakhare Isiegbuwa and seconded by Hon. Stella Ogida Osagioduwa, with the motion being signed by four legislators.

The suspension of the council’s principal officers was based on accusations of their failure to work effectively with the local government chairmen, delays in the payment of salaries (with two months being overdue), failure to provide adequate oversight, and neglecting their duties.

The motion for their suspension passed with the approval of five members, with one legislator absent.

Following the suspension, Hon. Kelvin Eguakun was elected as the new Leader of the legislative arm.

Isiegbuwa, while presenting the motion for the impeachment of the chairman and her deputy during the plenary session on Friday, said the findings of a seven-member panel investigating the allegations confirmed the guilt of the duo on all counts.

The impeachment was carried out through a unanimous vote by the councillors.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the development of the Igbo people, particularly highlighting the creation of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) as a significant step in addressing the region’s needs.

Kalu made these remarks on Saturday during an empowerment event organized by Chris Nkwonta, the lawmaker representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency.

The event, held in Ndoki, Ukwa East Local Government Area, saw over 3,000 members of various political parties defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

During his speech, Kalu noted that the establishment of the SEDC had garnered widespread support in the region, with many more expected to join the APC due to the positive reception of the president’s efforts.

He emphasized that the Commission would address the pressing infrastructure challenges faced by the South East.

“The president has shown immense dedication to Ndigbo. He is the only leader who has remembered the Igbo after 54 years, fulfilling a promise of reconstruction, reconciliation, and rehabilitation that was made to them,” Kalu remarked.

The promise Kalu referred to stems from the “Three Rs” program introduced by former military leader Yakubu Gowon after the Nigerian Civil War, which took place from July 6, 1967, to January 13, 1970, aimed at reintegrating and rebuilding the nation.

Former Governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili, has commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for thwarting efforts by an individual to seize control of the state and turn it into a private domain.

Odili made the remarks during a Christmas Ballad event he hosted for Fubara at his residence in Port Harcourt, where he expressed admiration for the governor’s leadership.

The event was held as a celebration of Fubara’s resilience and exceptional leadership skills. According to Odili, Fubara’s efforts have freed the people of Rivers State from the attempts of a powerful figure to dominate the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Fubara’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Odili reflected on the political challenges that Fubara faced, particularly since October 25, 2023, when an intense political battle was waged against him.

He emphasized how Fubara stood firm, preventing the state from falling under the control of a single individual, and restoring stability to governance in Rivers State.

“It has been over 12 months since the fierce political battle of October 25, 2023,” Odili said. “With great determination, Governor Fubara stood up against this challenge, preventing one man from turning the state into a private estate, and bringing peace and happiness back to the people of Rivers.”

While Odili did not name the individual in question, it was clear that he was alluding to Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former governor of Rivers State.

Wike, who had initially supported Fubara’s rise to power, fell out with the governor shortly after he assumed office.

Wike later expressed regret for backing Fubara and even pledged to unseat him in 2027.

During the event, Justice Mary Odili, who presented gifts to Fubara and his family, spoke of divine intervention in Fubara’s leadership.

She stated that God had prepared Fubara to be the emancipator the state needed.

In his response, Governor Fubara acknowledged the political tensions that had plagued his leadership but expressed gratitude for the support he received from the people of Rivers State.

He reflected on how the political struggles provided him with a new understanding of leadership.

“I don’t see the challenges as problems anymore,” Fubara remarked. “Instead, they are opportunities for growth. The strength I derive comes from all of you—the true people of Rivers. You encouraged me, made the calls, and did the work. So, why wouldn’t I stand firm for you? But above all, I believe that the true game changer, the ultimate liberator, is God Almighty. With His guidance, victory is assured.”

Fubara’s speech underscored his belief in divine support, which he said had been instrumental in helping him navigate the political turbulence in the state.