Insecurity: ‘I need more time to disclose spending on security votes,’ Al-Makura tells SERAP

The governor of Nasarawa state, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, has asked for more time to compile and provide details on the spending by the state on security votes, as this will require more than seven days to process as the information being requested covers a period of eight years.

In a statement by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, on Sunday, it stated that the governor’s response followed FOI requests SERAP sent in April to him and 35 other state governors as well as President Muhammadu Buhari, asking them to: “provide information on specific details of spending of appropriated public funds as security votes between 2011 and 2019, given the current security realities in the country.”

The state government’s response with reference number NS/MOJ/ADM/108/VOL1/65, and sent on behalf of Governor Al-Makura by the Nasarawa State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, read in part: “I refer to your letter dated 12th April 2019 requesting information on the spending of security votes by Nasarawa State between 2011 to date.

“I am directed to draw your attention to the fact that the information being requested covers a period of eight years and will require more than 7 days to process. We shall revert to you as soon as the information is ready.”

Responding, SERAP said: “Thank you for your letter and expressed commitment to disclose details of security votes spending by your state.

“We urge you to fast-track the process to ensure that the information is sent to us before the expiration of your term on 29th May 2019. This would be a perfect parting gift to the people of Nasarawa, and show the way for 35 other state governors and the federal government that have failed, so far, to respond to the FOI requests on security votes spending.

“In light of your request, SERAP is happy to extend the period within which to provide the requested information. We would be grateful if the information is now provided to us within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this response, failing which SERAP shall take all appropriate legal action to compel Nasarawa state to comply with our request.”