N2.67bn school feeding fund: SERAP asks Sadiya Farouq to publish names of suspects

With the discovering of N2.67 billion paid for school feeding which the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, on Monday said it uncovered in personal accounts, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, Tuesday queried the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, to publish details and names of suspects.

Recalls ICPC had through its Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, announced that the commission unraveled N2.67 billion in personal accounts, being payment made to some federal colleges for school feeding during lockdown.

The anti-graft boss argued that the money was paid when children were not in school.

Read Also:ICPC discovers school feeding N2.67bn in private accounts

SERAP through its official facebook handle said: “Following disclosure by the ICPC that N2.67bn meant for school feeding during the COVID-19 lockdown ended up in private bank accounts, we’re calling on the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development of Nigeria, Sadiya Umar Farouq to immediately publish details of those suspected to be responsible, or face legal action.

According to the post, “If the names are not immediately published, we’ll issue a freedom of information request to ensure that those involved are named and shamed.

“We’ll also pursue appropriate legal actions to hold suspected perpetrators to account, in the public interest. “Diverting funds meant to feed school children [who are already disproportionately affected by corruption], especially during COVID-19 is a blatant violation of the rights to education, health, and dignity, as well as the government’s own COVID-19 transparency frameworks.’’

“Corruption in school feeding increases distrust in the government. The Federal Government must ensure transparency and accountability measures are fundamental to all school feeding and other initiatives in the context of COVID-19, to ensure the children receive the support they need.”