FG Must Return N1.4bn For Niger Vehicle, Rescind N5m Fine On DailyTrust- SERAP

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has called on the Federal government to immediately return the N1.4 billion it used to buy 10 vehicles for Niger Republic government.

 

Newsonline reports the socio-economic rights group also called on President Buhari administration to rescind the N5 million fine it imposed on DailyTrust or face legal action.

 

SERAP said the idea of the Federal government purchasing 10 Toyota Landcruiser vehicles for the government of Niger Republic while Nigerian students have been at home for five months following ASUU strike is improper.

 

SERAP said the money used to buy vehicles for Niger Republic was enough to fund ASUU for students to return back to school.

 

“The Buhari administration must immediately ask Niger Republic authorities to refund the N1.4 billion approved for them to buy vehicles, and use the money to offset the funding for ASUU, so that poor children can go back to school,” SERAP said.

 

The socio-economic rights group also stated that the decision of President Buhari’s administration to fine DailyTrust over their documentary on terrorism showed illegality and blatant violation of the freedom of the media.

 

READ ALSO: Political Instability In Libya Responsible For Banditry In Nigeria- Buhari

 

SERAP warned the Federal government to rescind the fine or face court action.

 

“The Buhari administration must immediately rescind the illegal fine of N5 million imposed on Daily Trust over their documentary on terrorism in Nigeria.

 

“We’ll challenge this illegality and the blatant violation of media freedom and access to information in court,” the group stated.

 

Newsonline had reported that the Minister of Finance, Ahmed Zainab on Wednesday confirmed that President Buhari approved the sum of N1.4 billion for the government of Niger Republic to purchase vehicles to fight insecurity.

 

Zainab said the decision of President Buhari was in the interest of the country, as such she could not challenge the decision.

 

However, an Independent Investigative Journalist, David Hundeyin, who disclosed an official letter containing the approval of the N1.4 billion by President Buhari, said what the Federal government approved for the Niger government was 10 Toyota Landcruiser Prado Jeep.

 

Also. a former senator, Shehu Sani, argued why the president, Muhammadu Buhari, would approve N1.4 billion for the purchase of vehicles for Niger government without the oversight of the National Assembly.