Lagos, Nigeria - A Nigerian civil society group has called for the probe of the alleged disappearance of the US$35 billion in Nigeria's foreign reserves. In a statement issued in Lagos Wednesday and obtained by PANA here, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) asked the anti-corruption Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to “urgently and transparently' investigate allegations, made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

SERAP urged the ICPC to “bring to justice suspected perpetrators.”

Obasanjo, who ruled Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, said when he left office, his administration left US$35 billion in the country's foreign reserves.

“Whether the money disappeared or...it was shared, the fact remains that $35 billion disappeared from the foreign reserve I left behind in office,' the former President said.

SERAP said unless the allegation is urgently investigated, “this situation can only continue to exacerbate the increasing level of violation of the citizens’ internationally recognized economic and social rights, including the right to adequate food, to quality education, to water, and to accessible and adequate health services.”

Obasanjo handed over to President Umaru Yar'Adua, who died in office, paving the way for the emergence of current President Goodluck Jonathan.

Pana 23/11/2011