The Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP) has announced its intention to file a public interest lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu, days after the Department of State Services (DSS) raid on its Abuja office.
SERAP is seeking to compel the President to reverse the recent fuel price hike and initiate an investigation into allegations of corruption within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The raid came just hours after SERAP issued a 48-hour ultimatum to President Tinubu, urging him to direct the NNPCL to immediately reduce the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and probe the NNPCL’s operations.
The group condemned the price hike, which saw petrol rise to over N855 per litre, and called for an investigation into the alleged mismanagement and corruption within the oil company.
Speaking after the raid, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Dare, said the organization would not be intimidated by the government’s actions.
“We are committed to using legal advocacy to promote transparency and accountability in governance. SERAP will file the necessary lawsuit to ensure justice prevails,” Dare said.
The group has been vocal in its criticism of the government’s economic policies, particularly the impact of the fuel price increase on ordinary Nigerians.
Despite the DSS labelling its visit to the SERAP office as a “routine investigation,” the organization says it as an attempt to silence civil society and undermine its advocacy efforts.