Group Writes Finance Commissioner, Demands Details Of Security Vote Disbursements To Governor Soludo
The request also seeks a breakdown of the funds, including the dates of disbursement and details of other special security financial interventions by the federal government to the state.
The Leadership and Accountability Initiative, a renowned civil society organisation, has formally petitioned the Anambra State Ministry of Finance, requesting detailed information on the security votes disbursed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo since he assumed office on March 17, 2022.
The organisation described the request as a bid to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The group is seeking to determine the exact amount released as security votes to Governor Soludo, a statement signed by its Head of Administration, Abraham Momodu, said on Wednesday.
The request also seeks a breakdown of the funds, including the dates of disbursement and details of other special security financial interventions by the federal government to the state.
“The public has the right to know how taxpayers’ money is being spent, especially when it comes to funds allocated for sensitive matters such as security,” said Hon. Henry Shield, the Head of Mission for the group.
“Security votes are meant to enhance the security and well-being of citizens, and it is only fair that the citizens of Anambra, and indeed Nigerians, are informed about how these resources are being managed.”
The petition was submitted on the principle of transparency, which guarantees the public’s right to access government-held information.
The group’s petition follows growing calls from citizens and stakeholders for increased transparency in the management of public funds, particularly security-related allocations that often remain shrouded in secrecy.
By seeking clarity on the security votes, the group said it aims to ensure that public funds are used appropriately and for their intended purposes.
“This is not just a call for transparency in Anambra State, but a reminder to all levels of government that the people must have access to information on how public resources are utilized. We will continue to push for accountability across all tiers of government,” Henry Shield added.
The group has pledged to follow up on the petition and will continue to engage with the public to ensure that government actions align with the principles of openness and public service.
The organisation’s petition addressed to the Commissioner, Ministry of Finance was signed by Henry Shield, on behalf of the organisation.
Dated January 15, 2025, the petition is titled, ‘Freedom Of Information Request On Security Vote Allocations To Anambra State.’
It reads, “We write to request details of the total sum allocated and disbursed by your Office as security votes to the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, since he assumed office in March 2022.
“Our requests include; The total amount allocated as security votes to Governor Soludo since his inauguration in 2022, broken down by year, and month, from March 2022 to date.
“The breakdown of how these funds have been allocated, including the dates and amounts of each disbursement.
“Any related documents, records, or correspondences as to any special security-related Federal Government Intervention(s) and allocation(s), the amounts, and their dates of disbursement.
soludo
“This request is in line with the principles of transparency and accountability and is aimed at fostering public understanding of the financial practices surrounding the use of public funds.”
“We thank you, Honourable Commissioner, even as we convey our willingness to provide further clarifications and all necessary requirements, including costs needed to process this request,” it adds.
