Anti-corruption protest in Nigeria in June 2024: An uprising against abuse of power and management of public funds
On June 20, 2024, in the northwestern state of Nigeria, a demonstration created a moment of tension when protesters went to the government, singing songs of solidarity and brandishing signs with various inscriptions.
These placards displayed messages such as: “We will occupy all ministries to expel all those involved in the report”, “Stop repaying loans obtained without respecting legal processes”, thus showing the determination of the demonstrators to denounce corruption and embezzlement.
The protest follows a recent State Assembly report alleging misappropriation of loans, mismanagement of funds, overpayments of contractors and lack of transparency in the use of funds from the previous administration of El-Rufai.
The incumbent governor, Uba Sani, was strongly challenged to seek the intervention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant agencies to arrest and prosecute El-Rufai and his administration to the tune of 423 billion of naira.
The alarming figures showing a substantial debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion and 115 contractual liabilities inherited from his predecessor were brought to light by Sani in March 2024. Over 70% of the allocation of the State was used to repay this debt.
In response, the State Assembly set up an ad hoc committee headed by Barrister Henry Danjuma Magaji to investigate the state’s financial transactions from May 2015 to May 2023. The report revealed serious irregularities and unfunded funds. justified.
The protesters also praised the State Assembly for exposing these acts of corruption. The protest group’s chairman, Victor Duniya, highlighted misappropriation of funds for development projects and misuse of public resources, pointing to dishonest practices that have led to significant financial losses for the state.
This demonstration demonstrates the people’s desire to no longer tolerate abuse of power and financial embezzlement. It highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, and highlights the need for authorities to be accountable and fight corruption for a more just and equitable future for all citizens.