SERAP Wins Round One In Battle To Make CCB Publish Assets Of Public Officials

A federal high court in Lagos has granted the application filed
by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)
seeking to compel the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to disclose
details of assets declared by public officials since 1999.

SERAP had filed a suit against the CCB over its claim that it
could not disclose details of asset declarations submitted to it by
public officials.

Through a freedom of information (FoI) request, SERAP had asked
the CCB to urgently provide information on asset declaration
submitted to the bureau by public officials from 1999 to 2019.

But the bureau had said the information requested could not be
provided on the grounds of “invasion of privacy”.

In an application filed by Adelanke Aremo, SERAP’s counsel, the
organisation sought an order of mandamus directing and compelling
the CCB to disclose details of asset declarations submitted to
it.

The civil society organisation had argued that the assets
declaration form is a public document and not private information
as claimed by CCB.

“Public interest in disclosure of the details of asset
declarations sought by SERAP clearly outweighs any claim of
protection of the privacy of presidents and state governors, as
they are public officers entrusted with the duty to manage public
funds, among other public functions,” the suit read in part.

“The CCB does not have reasonable grounds on which to deny
SERAP’s FOI request, as it is in the interest of justice, the
Nigerian public, transparency and accountability to publish details
of asset declarations by presidents and state governors since the
return of democracy in 1999.

“The right to information and truth allows Nigerians to gain
access to information essential to the fight against corruption,
institutionalise good governance and improve citizens’ confidence
in public institutions.”

Delivering judgement on Wednesday, Muslim Hassan, the presiding
judge, granted the order for leave following the hearing of the
argument on exparte motion filed by SERAP.

“Going through the Application filed by SERAP, supported by a
14-paragraph affidavit, with supporting exhibits, statements
setting out the facts, verifying affidavits and written address in
support, I am satisfied that leave ought to be granted in this
case, and I hereby grant the motion for leave,” the judge
ruled.

Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP deputy director, said the order by the
court has cleared the way for the organisation to advance its case
against the CBB and challenge the grounds for its refusal to
publish the information requested.

The suit was adjourned to October 16 for motion on notice.

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