The Presidency has advised the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to refrain from pushing out “divisive, irresponsible, and bare-faced publicity stunts”.
In a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the Presidency questions the paucity of information about SERAP and its donors in spite of its claims to be champions of transparency and accountability.
The statement reads “We would like to address the repeated ridiculous claims from the so-called Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) that it is bringing legal action against the Government and/ or President of Nigeria.’
“Very little is known about SERAP, or who funds them – despite their claims of being an organization that champions transparency and accountability.”
“To date, SERAP has announced on repeated occasions – each time via a well-funded media campaign – that it is suing the government or President over a range of issues from alleged human rights abuses to alleged corruption. To date, SERAP has not taken their retinue of legal actions to a logical conclusion. They don’t follow through.”
“Yet these headline-grabbing publicity stunts, however baseless, succeed in painting an inaccurate picture of life and governance in Nigeria and – more seriously – in sowing division amongst the Nigerian people during a time of heightened global economic volatility and hardship.”
“Nigeria is comfortable that its record as Africa’s leading democracy and largest economy speaks for itself. Nigeria is amongst the top five countries in Africa for quality of life, and our ranking in the Human Development Index has steadily risen for a decade.”
“This success is testament to the rights, rule of law and strong, independent institutions enjoyed by all Nigerian citizens and others who live there. Indeed, it is a fact that independent, non-governmental organizations can thrive there – especially those that seek accountability from government.”
“Put simply, here lies SERAP’s paradox: in a country without human rights, no rule of law, limited freedom of expression, and weak democratic institutions the cases and cacophony that SERAP causes – even the organization itself – simply would not be permitted.”
“It is unfortunately the case that our progressive, modern, and liberal legal system is open to manipulation by cynical actors who seek nothing but to sow division amongst Nigerians and secure publicity for themselves.”
“With the global pandemic exacerbating poverty across the continent, those who have always sought to divide Nigerians along cultural, racial and political lines for political or financial gain are more dangerous than before.”
“We call on SERAP to cease its divisive, irresponsible, and bare-faced publicity stunts and instead to follow through on its latest spurious legal claim in a Nigerian court of law.”
“Let them challenge the government publicly, legally and transparently. And while they do so, let them reveal in full view of the nation who they are, and who is funding them.”
About SERAP
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) is a registered non-governmental, non-profit organization.
SERAP works includes holding the government to account through the framework of human rights and anti-corruption laws and standards.
The Group offers free legal advice and services to victims of corruption and economic and social rights.
SERAP received the Wole Soyinka Anti-Corruption Defender Award in 2014.
SERAP also serves as one of two Sub-Saharan African civil society representatives on the UNCAC Coalition, a global anti-corruption network of over 310 civil society organizations (CSOs) in over 100 countries.
