SERAP seeks probe of alleged corruption in N’Delta amnesty

THE Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use his good offices and leadership to order a thorough investigation into the allegations of corruption and denial of entitlement and allowances in the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Programme.

In a petition signed by the Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, SERAP said it has “received a petition from Sukore O. Daniel, Ekperi Abel, Enodeh B. Eniyekperi, Ebaretonbofa J. Keme, Akperi Tamaraebi and Godspower A. Desmonds – all of Patani community in Delta State, alleging that they have gone through the required training under the amnesty programme.

And “though the Amnesty Office has issued identification cards to the petitioners and has collected their bank details, the petitioners have not received their monthly payment of N65, 000 due under the programme from November 2011 to date.”

Mumuni explained that the body was seriously concerned that the accrued allowances might have been stolen, diverted or mismanaged, stressing the fear that these cases might not be isolated incidents but there could be a broader pattern of corruption and impunity.

“We believe that the President can play a leadership role in helping to address the problem and ensure justice and fair play to those affected,” he added. “Doing so will be entirely consistent the anti-corruption policy of this government.”

According to the group, Nigeria has an obligation under the international anti-corruption treaties such as the UN Convention Against Corruption, to which the country is a state party, to investigate any allegation of corruption and mismanagement, as alleged by the petitioners.

He noted that SERAP believes that a thorough investigation to establish the truth would contribute to transparency and accountability, and also help to provide justice to those affected.

“SERAP, therefore, urges you to use your good offices and leadership to ensure that the allegations are thoroughly and transparently investigated, and to make public the findings of any investigation,” the statement added.

“We hope you will give this matter the urgent attention it deserves. We look forward to receiving from you information regarding the steps you are taking to address the issues raised in this petition.”