TheCable

Femi Falana, human rights lawyer, has condemned the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) for refusing to disclose assets declaration submitted by presidents and governors as requested by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

SERAP had sent a freedom of information (FOI) request to the CCB, seeking disclosure of assets declaration submitted by successive presidents and governors from 1999 till date but the bureau said the information could not be provided on the grounds of “invasion of privacy”.

Speaking on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ meeting in Kano state, Falana described CCB’s refusal as “illogical”.

He accused the federal government of failing to show commitment to the fight against corruption, expressing hope that the CCB will change its stance and allow citizens access information on asset declaration forms submitted to it by public officers.

“The federal government has also failed to show commitment to the fight against corruption by encouraging secrecy with respect to asset declaration by public officers,” Falana said.

“A few days ago, the CCB turned down the request made by SERAP for the release of copies of the declaration forms of former state governors and presidents on the grounds that the declaration forms are private documents.

“With respect, it is illogical to claim that the asset declaration forms submitted by the erstwhile public officers are private documents.

“Accordingly, the rejection of the request by SERAP is a contravention of section 1 of the freedom of information act, 2011 and article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.

“It is hoped that the CCB will review its position and allow citizens to access the information in the declaration forms submitted to it by all public officers in view of the new policy of the Buhari administration to enforce effective asset declaration by public office holders.”