The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Nigeria’s 36 state governors, demanding full disclosure of how security votes have been spent since May 29, 2023.
The organisation made the announcement via its official X handle, stating that the request is aimed at ensuring the protection and welfare of citizens across the country.
“Insecurity: We’ve given Nigeria’s 36 state governors seven days to account for the spending of public funds in the name of ‘security votes’ by their states since 29 May 2023,” the post read.
Security votes are controversial funds allocated to governors ostensibly for addressing security challenges. However, these funds are typically spent without legislative oversight or public transparency, a practice critics argue enables corruption and mismanagement.
SERAP, a leading civic organisation advocating for transparency and accountability in governance, stressed that the continued lack of accountability surrounding these funds is unacceptable, especially in light of the persistent insecurity plaguing many parts of the country.
While the group has not specified whether legal action will follow non-compliance, the ultimatum comes at a time of growing public frustration over rising incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence nationwide.
As of press time, there had been no official response from the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.
