A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted leave to the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project ( SERAP) ,and the Human and Environmental Development Agenda Resource Center, to take action against the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN) ,for refusing to disclose detailed information on Covid-19 donations at its disposal .
The Order, followed an exparte application on Monday, moved by Joel Ekong, counsel to the applicants.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, in his ruling also ordered the applicants to file their substantive suit within seven days and serve same on the CBN after filing within seven days.
The Judge directed the CBN to file their response to the suit within 30 days of being served by the applicants.
The applicants noted that about N15billion in monetary contributions,is currently domiciled with the CBN in the account set up under the Private Sector Coalition Against Covid-19 ( CACOVID)
They noted with great concern that “despite the donations, the larger proportion of Nigerians including the poorest and the most vulnerable people have not benefitted up till now from the Federal Government and private sector announced palliatives, donations,cash payments and other benefits”.
The applicants stated that they had requested a comprehensive breakdown of financial donations received, and list of names of donors including individuals, corporate and International organisations, as well as sources of the donation and the amount and dates the donations were made
They averred that the CBN’s failure to disclose the vital information on issue of national interest, public welfare and transparency was a breach of their rights under the Freedom of Information ACT and African Charter on Human Rights.
