By Innocent Anaba
LAGOS—Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, to appoint an independent counsel to investigate allegations of corruption in the abandoned roads and other projects by the Federal Government nationwide.

SERAP, in a letter to the CJN by its Executive Director, Mr. Adetokunbo Mumuni, said:  “Between 2010 and 2012, the Federal Executive Council, FEC, approved about 100 projects apparently to improve the development of the country and enhance the living conditions of its citizens. However, virtually all the projects have either been abandoned or not completed on schedule, despite the huge money allocated for the projects.”

The group said it predicated its letter on “Section 52 of Independent Corrupt Practices Commission Act 2000,” adding “We believe your urgent intervention will contribute to improving the integrity of government and public confidence and trust in the government.”

It noted that same will also serve as a vehicle to further public’s perception of fairness and thoroughness, and, avert even the most subtle of influences that may appear in an investigation of highly-placed executive officials.”

The group said Section 52 of ICPC Act requires CJN to authorise an independent counsel to investigate any allegation of corruption against high level public officials, at the federal or state level and to report his findings to the National Assembly or appropriate House of Assembly.

Some of the contracts the group want investigated include “the Phase 1 Bwari-Kau Road on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,  which was approved by FEC in December  2010 for N3.886 billion. Although the completion date for the project is December 2012, work has not  started on the project several months after, and despite release of money to contractors.The road thus remains a death-trap,”