Tinubu Under Pressure as SERAP Demands Nationwide Probe of Governors Security Vote Spending

The Socio Economic Rights and Accountability Project SERAP has intensified calls for accountability in Nigerias security governance, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to launch a sweeping investigation into how state governors have spent security votes since 2015.

In a strongly worded statement, SERAP asked the President to immediately set up a Presidential Panel of Inquiry to examine what it described as long standing allegations of embezzlement, misappropriation, and diversion of billions of naira allocated to state governors under the guise of security votes. The organization argued that such funds are often hidden from public scrutiny and have for years operated without proper oversight.

SERAP stated that the federal governments recent declaration of a national security emergency will amount to little if huge funds meant to improve local intelligence gathering and strengthen security operations continue to be mismanaged at the state level. The group insisted that governors must provide a full account of the resources entrusted to them, stressing that insecurity cannot be tackled effectively while corruption remains unchecked.

The organisation also reminded the President of his constitutional duty to ensure the security and welfare of citizens, noting that the secrecy surrounding security vote spending undermines these obligations. SERAP warned that Nigeria cannot continue to channel large sums into a system that encourages abuse and a lack of accountability.

Earlier in the year, SERAP issued formal requests to all 36 state governors demanding detailed explanations of how security votes have been utilised since they assumed office. Many states have not provided the information requested.

If President Tinubu authorises the probe, it could become one of the most comprehensive anti corruption investigations in recent Nigerian history. Such a move has the potential to rebuild public trust, strengthen national security frameworks, and reshape governance culture across the states. However, analysts caution that the decision may trigger strong political resistance from state governors who are wary of federal scrutiny.

SERAP maintains that establishing transparency in the management of security votes is essential for addressing rising insecurity and restoring public confidence in government institutions.