The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has issued an order for the disclosure of spending details regarding over N200 billion in public funds collected by the government of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. The funds were received from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and allocations from the Federation Accounts.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has been directed by the court to reveal the budgetary allocations and actual spending by the Okowa government between 2015 and 2019. This includes specific projects aimed at improving primary education in the state and their respective locations….CONTINUE READING

The judgment was delivered following a Freedom of Information suit by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

Justice Daniel Osiagor held that SERAP has the right to inquire about how public institutions manage public funds, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability.

Justice Osiagor ordered the Delta State government to disclose how the Okowa administration spent over N7.28 billion from UBEC between 2015 and 2017 and N213 billion received from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) in 2018, with an average monthly amount of N17.8 billion.

SERAP’s suit was inspired by the case of seven-year-old Success Adegor, who was sent home due to her parents’ inability to pay illegal school fees.

The court also demanded details of primary schools benefiting from projects aimed at enhancing access to free and quality primary education in Delta State, along with information on indirect costs like uniforms, exercise books, and transport.

The court upheld SERAP’s arguments and dismissed objections raised by the Delta State government, UBEC, and the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board, resulting in a judgment in favor of SERAP against the three respondents.

In response to the judgment, SERAP urged the Delta State government to comply immediately and hold former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa accountable for the education funds. By adhering to the court’s order, the government can send a powerful message about accountability for politicians and public officials.