The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) today welcomed the decision by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate allegations of corruption in the Paris Club debt cancellation agreement, describing it as “a significant development”.

In a petition dated 26 July 2006, and sent to the Chairman of the ICPC, Hon. Justice Emmanuel Olayinka Ayoola, SERAP requested the Anti-Corruption Commission to begin a thorough and efficient investigation into allegations that a high-ranking official in the Obasanjo government collected #60 billion as a commission in the transaction.

SERAP expressed concerns that the allegations are grave breaches of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Act of 2000; and the UN Convention against Corruption which Nigeria recently ratified.

In a letter ICPC/HC/089/VO.V/T87, titled: Allegation of collecting #60 billion on the Paris Club debt agreement, the Anti-Corruption Commission stated that “Pursuant to a report made to this Commission, we have decided to investigate allegation of the corruption in the Paris Club debt cancellation agreement.

SERAP believes that decisions such as the one in this matter would lend momentum to the anti-corruption fight in Nigeria; and is good for improving the credibility of the ICPC among the citizens as a serious body able to address the problem of corruption especially at the highest level of political authorities. Furthermore, the Commission’s decision would contribute to a democratic governance, transparency and accountability; respect for human rights, and will help foster public accountability and trust as well as governmental legitimacy. The Commission’s decision would go a long way in improving its relationship with civil society organizations involved in anti-corruption work.

SERAP appreciates the decision of the Anti-Corruption Commission, and looks forward to the effective investigation of the allegations and prosecution of suspected perpetrators.
SERAP reiterates its call to the Commission to:

*Make public its findings of the on-going investigation into the allegations of corruption in the Paris Club debt cancellation agreement.

*Ensure that anyone suspected to be responsible for acts of corruption is brought to justice fairly.

*Recover any proceeds of corruption in the Paris Club debt cancellation agreement, so that the money can be used to provide access to quality education, which the current government has consistently denied millions of Nigerian children.

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