General
Nasarawa Gov Seeks More Time to Account for Security Votes Spending
By Dipo Olowookere
Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has said he would need more time “to compile and provide details on the spending by the State on security votes, as this will require more than 7 days to process given that the information being requested covers a period of eight years.”
Mr Al-Makura made this remark in response to a Freedom of Information request by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on how he has spent the security votes given to him to tackle insecurity in Nasarawa State.
Last month, SERAP sent FOI requests to the 36 state governors of the federation as well as President Muhammadu Buhari, asking them to: “provide information on specific details of spending of appropriated public funds as security votes between 2011 and 2019, given the current security realities in the country.”
In a statement issued today by SERAP deputy director, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, it was said that the Mr Al-Makura responded to the request in a letter with reference number NS/MOJ/ADM/108/VOL1/65, and sent on behalf of the governor by the Nasarawa State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
“I refer to your letter dated 12th April 2019 requesting information on the spending of security votes by Nasarawa State between 2011 to date. I am directed to draw your attention to the fact that the information being requested covers a period of eight years and will require more than 7 days to process. We shall revert to you as soon as the information is ready,” the letter read in part.
Responding, SERAP said: “Thank you for your letter and expressed commitment to disclose details of security votes spending by your State. We urge you to fast-track the process to ensure that the information is sent to us before the expiration of your term on 29th May 2019. This would be a perfect parting gift to the people of Nasarawa, and show the way for 35 other state governors and the federal government that have failed, so far, to respond to the FOI requests on security votes spending.”
SERAP’s response dated 17th May 2019, and sent to governor Al-Makura, read in part: “In light of your request, SERAP is happy to extend the period within which to provide the requested information. We would be grateful if the information is now provided to us within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this response, failing which SERAP shall take all appropriate legal action to compel Nasarawa state to comply with our request.”
It would be recalled that SERAP in April sent separate FOI requests to 36 state governors and Mr Buhari, stating that: “We need the information to determine if public funds meant to provide security and ensure respect and protection of the rights to life, physical integrity, and liberty of Nigerians have been spent for this purpose. Our request is limited to details of visible, specific security measures and projects executed and does not include spending on intelligence operations.”
SERAP’s FOI requests to the 36 state governors and the federal government read in part: “’Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.’ It is the security of the citizens that is intended and not the security of select individuals in public office. Transparency and accountability in the spending of security votes are critically important to fully implement this responsibility imposed on both the federal and state governments.
“We are concerned that rather than serving the citizens, the appropriation of public funds as security votes over the years would seem to serve high-ranking government officials at all levels—federal and states. We are also concerned that the practice of security votes entrusts discretionary powers to spend huge public funds on certain elected public officials who may not have any idea of operational issues on security matters.
“SERAP urges you to open-up on the matter and provide information and documents as requested. This will be one step in the right direction. Unless the information is urgently provided, Nigerians would continue to see the appropriation of public funds as security votes and the institutionalization of this cash in ‘Ghana Must Go bags’ practice as a tool for self-enrichment.
“The most general purpose of State power is to provide security for citizens and other residents and to enable them lead a life that is meaningful to them. However, the growing level of insecurity, violence, kidnappings and killings in Zamfara State and other parts of Nigeria suggest that successive governments—at both federal and state levels—have been unwilling or unable to satisfactorily implement this fundamental constitutional commitment.
“SERAP believes that by providing the information, your government would help put an end to any insinuation that security votes are spent on political activities, mismanaged or stolen. This would in turn contribute to better opportunities for citizens to assess the level of spending and commitment of successive governments to ensuring the security of lives and property of the people.”
By Dipo Olowookere
The Accountant-General of the Federation has been directed by President Bola Tinubu to create a special account for a support fund dedicated to members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.
A statement on Sunday night by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that funds from the account would be used to support those wounded in the line of duty, and the families of fallen heroes.
Already, as a personal commitment, Mr Tinubu has pledged to contribute all his salaries since assuming office as seed funding for the initiative, reinforcing his resolve to ensure that those who have borne the cost of Nigeria’s peace and security are not forgotten.
According to the statement last night, the establishment of this dedicated fund is to commemorate the 74th birthday of the President and to honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of the nation’s military personnel.
He urged state governors, members of the National Assembly, the private sector, his friends, and well-wishers to support the initiative, noting that details of the fund will be made available in due course.
President Tinubu noted that “supporting members of the Armed Forces and their families is not an act of charity, but a duty that all must fulfil.”
He stressed that the initiative was rooted in a solemn national obligation to care for those who stand in harm’s way and the families who carry the burden of their sacrifice, irrespective of insurance programmes available to members of the armed forces.
“The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the welfare of military personnel and ensuring that their service to the nation is matched with dignity, care, and sustained support,” the statement concluded.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded transparency and accountability regarding the six-month administration of the Rivers State sole administrator, Mr Ibok-Ete Ibas.
The group has asked questions regarding an alleged spending of over N302 billion received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) during the period. Rivers State was under an emergency rule from March to September 2025.
In a Sunday statement published on its official website, the group disclosed that the Rivers State Accountant-General and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning told the Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt how Mr Ibas allegedly spent over N302 billion received from the FAAC between March and August 2025.
The statement signed by SERAP deputy director, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, disclosed that the allegation was contained in a lawsuit titled Freedom of Information, with suit number PHC/4153/CS/2025.
Mr Oludare further disclosed that the lawsuit was filed by SERAP on October 31, 2025, against the Accountant-General of Rivers State and Rivers State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and is pending before Justice S.H. Aprioku of the Rivers State High Court.
In the counter-affidavit dated March 10, 2026 and filed in response to SERAP’s lawsuit, the Accountant-General and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning stated that “the FAAC allocations received by Rivers state between March and August 2025 were over N253 billion (N253,480,052,907.33)”
According to SERAP, Exhibit DT1, which is the bank statements, and Exhibit DT2, which is the capital pages of the Government House estimate, filed in support of the counter-affidavit and comprising 49 pages, provide some details of government expenditures exceeding N300 billion, including FAAC allocations and other funds.
The counter-affidavit, read in part, “Our records show that N28 billion was approved for the installation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) at the State House, but no expenditure was incurred in respect of the project. Therefore, no document evidencing such expenditure can be provided.”
“The Defendants/Respondents do not contest SERAP’s right to access information under the Freedom of Information Act and have no intention whatsoever of withholding the requested documents.”
“The Defendants/Respondents have now compiled and made available the requested information in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, and copies are herein attached as Exhibit DTI (bank statements) and Exhibit DT2 (capital pages of the Government House estimate).”
“By furnishing the documents requested, the Defendants/Respondents have substantially complied with SERAP’s demand.”
“While the Defendants/Respondents recognise the public interest in transparency and accountability, the delay in providing the requested information did not occasion any specific or proven injury to SERAP.”
According to the group, Rivers State received FAAC inflows of over N253.48 billion (N253,480,052,907.33) and other receipts totalling over N44.87 billion (N44,868,976,368.32) from March to August 2025, bringing the total funds received to approximately N298.35 billion (N298,349,029,275.65).”
“The two exhibits also show transfers to government entities, payments to individuals (NIP transfers), and repeated transfers to Government House during the period from March to August 2025. In total, over N302.35 billion was shown to have been spent during this period.”
“The exhibits reveal multiple payments to Government House ranging from N1.8 million to N4.27 billion, including transactions of N61.9 million, N122 million, N170 million, N389 million, N750 million, N850 million, and N900 million—with the N900 million payments occurring repeatedly. Notably, a single transfer of N4.27 billion was recorded in August.”
“Over N112.41 billion (N112,408,021,641.07) was reportedly spent on salaries, pensions, and overheads, while N163.44 billion (N163,441,654,922.70) was allocated to ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).”
“Over N106 billion of the N163.44 billion allocated to MDAs was disbursed in August alone, showing a significant concentration of spending within a single month.”
“Additionally, over N26.01 billion (N26,011,189,540.73) was reportedly spent to service loans, while over N491.59 million (N491,592,418.57) was spent on bank charges, bringing these to approximately N26.50 billion (N26,502,781,959.30) during the same period.”
“Over N2.5 billion was released for the construction of Government House quarters, but only about N1.1 billion is reflected in the exhibits as actual spending. The exhibits show a revised allocation of N2.67 billion for office building repairs, while about N404 million was spent.”
“N350 million is stated to be allocated for canteen and kitchen equipment. It is unclear from the exhibits how much was released for the project. Over N463 million was shown to be spent on rehabilitation projects. A project initially budgeted at N800 million appeared to be increased to N1.56 billion.”
“The closing balance in the account as at August 2025 was N19,929,707,462.66.”
In the lawsuit, SERAP is seeking the determination of the following question, “Whether, having regard to the combined provisions of Sections 13, 15(5), 16(2), and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) and Sections 1(1), 2(3)(d)(v), 2(4), and 4(a) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, SERAP is not entitled to access and obtain the information sought from the Defendants/Respondents.”
The lawsuit has been adjourned to May 19, 2026, for further hearing.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The 2026 Global Camp Meeting of Dominion City, tagged Redigging the Wells of Our Fathers, will commence on Wednesday, April 1 and end on Monday, April 6, with the daily sessions at 8 am and 5 pm.
A statement from the church disclosed that the spiritual programme will take place simultaneously in Lagos and Enugu, with over 30,000 persons expected to attend, with free transportation provided from designated locations across Lagos to ease access.
To ensure safety and order, more than 200 traffic marshals will be deployed in collaboration with relevant authorities.
In addition, free medical services will be offered daily, building on previous outreaches that benefited over 1,700 people.
It was further revealed that the 2 Nights of Glory would take place on Friday, April 3, and Saturday, April 4, at the Golden Heart Place on Km 22, Lekki-Epe Expressway, beside Lagos Business School, Ajah, Lagos.
The conference will centre on revival, spiritual renewal, and practical teachings by notable ministers of God, including Pastor David Ogbueli, Pastor Charles Ndifon, Pastor Andres Bisonni, Pastor Randy Mitchell, Apostle Ikechukwu Peter Nnajiofor, Dr Ferdinand Nweke, Apostle Ben Hanyani Ndobe, Evangelist Dan Scott, and Dr Chiefo Ejiofobiri.
Music ministrations will also be led by notable gospel artists such as Grace Idowu, Rhema Onuoha, Once More Six, David Nkennor, Anthony Kani, and GUC.
Speaking ahead of the event, the President of Golden Heart Foundation and Senior Pastor, DC Lagos and Europe, Nobbert Onaga, emphasised the need for moral reawakening as a pathway to national transformation, describing the church as “the pillar and foundation of truth,” noting that the conference aims to confront moral decline and restore core values within society.
“We are going back to foundational truths that established the Church. These truths will help repair societal damage and reposition the Church as a source of hope and light,” Onaga added.
Also speaking, the Senior Pastor of Dominion City Headquarters, Shola Olapade, highlighted the church’s role in addressing ethical and cultural challenges, particularly among young people.
He noted that the programme would go beyond spiritual teachings to include sessions on artificial intelligence, innovation, business, media, arts, and career development, stating that, “We are equipping people not just spiritually, but with relevant 21st-century skills to thrive in today’s world.”
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