Akpabio and Abbas Face New Legal Challenge as SERAP Sues Over Jumbo Allowances

 

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal action against Nigeria Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas. This lawsuit arises from their alleged failure to stop the unlawful practice of determining allowances and running costs for lawmakers, which has sparked significant controversy.

SERAP Takes Legal Action

Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of SERAP, announced in a statement on Sunday that the organization filed the lawsuit last Friday at the Abuja Federal High Court. The suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1289/2024, seeks to hold the legislative leaders accountable for what SERAP describes as unlawful practices regarding financial benefits for lawmakers.

Details of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit specifically seeks an order of mandamus to compel Senate President Akpabio and Speaker Abbas to disclose the exact amount of the monthly running costs being paid to lawmakers. Additionally, SERAP is demanding a full disclosure of how these funds are spent.

"The provisions of paragraph N, section 32(d) of the Third Schedule to the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) make it unlawful for the National Assembly to fix its salaries, allowances, and running costs," SERAP argued in its legal filing. The organization claims that the National Assembly’s current practice violates constitutional mandates and transparency principles.

Allegations of Self-Determined Salaries and Allowances

The lawsuit follows statements from former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who alleged that lawmakers have been unilaterally determining their salaries and allowances, contrary to the guidelines set by the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMAFC). Although it was clarified that the 109 senators in Nigeria earn a monthly salary of N1,063,860, the specific allowances they receive remain undisclosed.

Adding to the controversy, Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila from Kano South recently revealed that senators receive N21 million monthly as running costs. This disclosure corroborates earlier claims by former Senator Shehu Sani, who had previously highlighted the excessive financial benefits enjoyed by lawmakers.

Calls for Transparency and Accountability

SERAP's lawsuit aims to enforce transparency and accountability within the legislative arm of government. The organization has consistently advocated for the responsible use of public funds and the elimination of practices that undermine the rule of law and good governance. By taking legal action, SERAP hopes to compel the National Assembly leadership to adhere to constitutional provisions and to provide a clear accounting of all financial allocations to lawmakers.

Broader Implications for Nigerian Governance

This lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for governance and accountability in Nigeria. Should the court rule in favor of SERAP, it may set a precedent for greater transparency in government expenditures and lead to more stringent oversight of how public officials manage funds allocated to them.

As the case proceeds, all eyes will be on the Abuja Federal High Court to see how it addresses these critical issues concerning public accountability and the rule of law in Nigeria.