The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a bold call to the Tinubu administration, urging the Federal Government to immediately publish the full details of the agreement recently signed with the United States for the return of $52.88 million in assets linked to former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
Taking to its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, SERAP described the disclosure as a matter of public interest, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in the asset recovery process.
Diezani Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s Petroleum Minister during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, has been at the center of numerous corruption allegations, including the embezzlement of public funds and the acquisition of illicit assets. Over the years, several assets linked to her have been seized both within Nigeria and internationally.
The $52.88 million in question is part of an ongoing global effort to recover looted funds and assets linked to her tenure. This recent development marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against corruption, but SERAP insists that the government must go further to ensure transparency.
SERAP’s call highlights concerns about how recovered funds are managed and utilized. Nigerians have long demanded clarity on how such monies are repurposed to benefit the public. In its statement, SERAP emphasized:
The need for openness to rebuild public trust.
The imperative to ensure recovered assets are not mismanaged or re-looted.
The importance of setting a precedent for future asset recovery efforts.
“Publishing the agreement is not just a legal obligation; it’s a moral one. Nigerians deserve to know the terms of this deal and how the recovered funds will be utilized,” SERAP stated.
What Nigerians Want to Know
The demand for transparency extends beyond the agreement itself. Citizens are eager to learn:
The exact terms and conditions of the agreement with the United States.
How the Federal Government plans to utilize the recovered funds.
Measures in place to prevent the mismanagement of these assets.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which has repeatedly pledged to uphold accountability and combat corruption, now faces a critical test. The decision to disclose—or withhold—the agreement details will significantly influence public perception of the government’s commitment to transparency.
Known for its relentless pursuit of accountability, SERAP has consistently been a vocal advocate for good governance in Nigeria. This latest demand adds to its long list of efforts to ensure public officials remain answerable to the people they serve.
As Nigerians await a response from the government, the spotlight is firmly on President Tinubu and his team. Will they heed SERAP’s call and publish the agreement, or will this become another chapter in the country’s long struggle with opacity in governance?
The Tinubu administration has a unique opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating that asset recovery is not just about reclaiming stolen funds but also about restoring trust, ensuring justice, and fostering accountability. Only time will tell if they seize it.
PIONEER NEWS 