TheCable

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to initiate probe against ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo for allegedly mismanaging $16 billion meant for power projects in the country.

It asked the president to refer the allegation to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to be investigated and and prosecuted, if found wanting.

On Tuesday, Buhari accused Obasanjo of mismanaging $16 billion electricity funds while serving as president between 1999 and 2007, a claim Obasanjo denied.

SERAP said the president should also ask the EFCC and ICPC to probe the “squandering of over N11 trillion meant to provide regular electricity supply covering the governments of former presidents.”

In a statement issued Wednesday by Adetokunbo Mumuni, SERAP executive director, the organisation said while Buhari’s revelation was a welcome development, he should expand his searchlight beyond the Obasanjo government “by ensuring accountability and full recovery of the over N11 trillion squandered by the three administrations.”

“It is only by pursuing all the allegations and taking the evidence before the court that the truth will be revealed and justice best served,” the statement read.

“This is the only way to conclusively address the systemic corruption in the power sector and an entrenched culture of impunity of perpetrators.”

The organisation added that addressing impunity in the power sector should be “total” to help improve public confidence and trust in their government.

“It would also serve as a vehicle to further the public’s perception of fairness and thoroughness, and to avert any appearance of political considerations in the whole exercise,” it added.