A civil society group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, on Thursday urged President Goodluck Jonathan to refer unresolved cases of corruption to anti-graft agencies.
SERAP gave the advice in a statement issued in Lagos in reaction to Jonathan’s New Year day broadcast where he promised to fight corruption more in 2014.
The statement, signed by SERAP’s Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, said: “Promises alone can’t end corruption and the impunity of perpetrators.”
It cited some of the unresolved corruption cases to include that in the aviation sector and the fuel subsidy scam.
The body noted that requesting the prosecution of indicted officials would send a clear signal that the government was committed to combating corruption.
SERAP said: “Jonathan should urgently address allegations of corruption in the privatisation of electricity, which is now denying the citizens access to regular electricity supply.
“The matter should be urgently referred to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for action.
“Taking these simple actions will immediately send a clear message that as far as the fight against corruption is concerned, it won’t be business as usual in 2014.”
It also advised the president to demonstrate his total rejection of corruption by publicly declaring his assets and instructing all members of his government to do same.
According to SERAP, the President should cut down on unnecessary expenses in the 2014 budget and dedicate the resources for the provision of drugs for hospitals across the country.
It said Jonathan should lead the process to domesticate and effectively implement the United Nations Convention against corruption within the legal system.
SERAP said: “This is the best way the President is ever going to earn the trust of millions of Nigerians yearning for good governance, development and the rule of law.”
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