Boko Haram: Group wants FG to monitor expenditure
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP) has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to instruct the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to monitor government’s expenditure on the fight against Boko Haram.
In an open letter sent to the president, the organization said the step would help “to ensure that the funds are actually spent to end the unnecessary loss of lives and other violations of human rights in that part of the country.”
According to its executive director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, the organization is seriously concerned about reports that Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima stated that Boko Haram members were better armed and motivated than Nigerian troops.
“If true, it suggests that colossal sums of security funds that have so far been budgeted to prosecute the fight against Boko Haram have not achieved value for money. SERAP is concerned that the funds may not have been appropriately spent. If the president is truly determined to end the problem of Boko Haram and the associated human rights violations and sufferings, he should now invite the EFCC and ICPC to monitor the spending to fight Boko Haram”, it said.
The group added: “Increasing transparency and accountability in the spending on Boko Haram will also help to improve citizens’ confidence in the ability of the government to end the problem. The government cannot continue to use sensitivity or security concerns as an excuse to avoid the urgent need for transparency and accountability in this respect. Lack of transparency in particular creates high vulnerability for corruption, especially in the procurement processes. SERAP believes that transparency and accountability in the management of funds meant to end the problem of Boko Haram is key to efficient and effective security forces capable of responding to Nigerians’ legitimate security needs.”