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A Federal High Court, Abuja has granted the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) leave for the Federal Government to disclose details of how a $460m loan obtained in 2010 from China to fund the Abuja Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) project was spent.
Justice Anwuri Ichegbuo Chikere last week granted SERAP leave to advance its case to compel the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, to disclose details of payment of the $460m Chinese loan to contractors.
It also granted the group right to details of whether N1.5 billion paid in 2010 for the failed contract to construct the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) head office was part of another Chinese loan.
Justice Chikere, stated, “After going through the application filed by SERAP supported by a seven-paragraph Affidavit, with supporting exhibits, statement of facts and verifying affidavits and a written address in support, leave is hereby granted for SERAP to pursue its suit.”
She granted the order following the argument on an ex parte motion by SERAP’s counsel, Atinuke Adejuyigbe and Opeyemi Owolabi.
The suit has, however, been adjourned to Monday, February 24, 2020, for further hearing, thereby presenting Nigerians the prospect of knowing details of spending of the $460m loan.
SERAP had in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1447/2019 filed last month sought an order for leave to apply for judicial review and an order of mandamus to direct and/or compel the Minister of Finance to disclose details of local companies and Chinese contractors that have received funds from the $460m loan to fund the failed Abuja CCTV project, as well as details of implementation of the project.
The suit followed SERAP’s Freedom of Information (FoI) request dated October 25, 2019, to Ahmed emanated from concern that Nigerians are being made to pay for the Chinese loans for failed and abandoned projects and for which they have not benefited in any way.
“Transparency in the spending of Chinese loans is good for everyone, as this would help to increase the effectiveness, legitimacy, and contribution of the loans to the development of public goods and services and general public interests.
“Democracy cannot flourish if governments operate in secrecy. Citizens are entitled to know how the commonwealth is being utilised, managed and administered in a democratic setting,” SERAP stated in the suit.