The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to publish his asset declaration in a bid to promote transparency and regain public trust amid economic hardship and political tensions.
The human rights organization issued an official letter to the Presidency this week, urging Tinubu to follow the example of leaders who have made their wealth and properties known to the public as a demonstration of clean governance. SERAP’s appeal comes amid rising skepticism over the economic policies of the administration, and growing calls for accountability from civil society.
“Transparency begins at the top,” SERAP wrote. “Nigerians deserve to know what their leaders own. We are not accusing the President of wrongdoing, but failure to disclose opens the door for doubt and suspicion.”
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Although Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) mandates all public officials to declare assets, it does not compel them to make such declarations public. SERAP argues that voluntary disclosure, while not legally required, is morally necessary for public confidence, especially under the current economic strain.
President Tinubu, who previously led Lagos State and boasts decades of political and business influence, has faced questions about the size and source of his wealth. Opposition figures and activists have raised concerns over perceived secrecy in government, while ruling party supporters argue that the president is being unfairly targeted.
Reacting to the development, a senior aide to the president, who asked to remain anonymous, dismissed the demand as “politically motivated noise,” but stopped short of confirming whether Tinubu would comply.
Political analysts say this demand could grow louder in the coming weeks, especially if tied to broader reform efforts. Nigeria’s citizens, many of whom are grappling with inflation, fuel subsidy cuts, and currency depreciation, increasingly demand accountability from those at the top.
Whether President Tinubu will heed the call remains uncertain, but the pressure is mounting.
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