The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has expressed concern over the persistent lack of accountability among public officials at both federal and state levels.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise on Saturday, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, remarked that many Nigerians view their governors as being extravagant with public funds.
He stated, “The reality on the ground today is that most Nigerians perceive the governors as being profligate. It speaks to the level of poverty in Nigeria.
“And the President really doesn’t need the US government to say that before he knows that, and that is why he’s the C-in-C, and that is why he superintends over the governors.
“With the nature of federalism we practise, perhaps we call it the type of democracy we practise, the President has a lot of powers to influence the economy.”
Oluwadare further pointed out that governors have often failed to provide the kind of leadership that fosters public trust.
“And that is perhaps because the President has not done enough as well. And that speaks to the infrastructure deficit that we have all over the country.
“That’s how you see governors will prioritise building big buildings at the expense of building infrastructure that will benefit the people,” he said.
He added that although the responsibilities of governors and other public officials are clearly outlined in the Constitution, impunity has weakened governance structures.
Oluwadare concluded that public trust should be tied to the office itself, rather than the individual occupying it, as a means to enhance accountability and strengthen good governance.