The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against the leadership of the National Assembly, accusing them of fixing what it describes as the “unlawful” running costs of lawmakers. This lawsuit highlights SERAP’s ongoing commitment to holding public officials accountable for financial practices that allegedly contravene established legal standards.
Named as defendants in the suit are the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. SERAP claims that both leaders have failed to end the National Assembly’s practice of independently setting its allowances and running costs, a process the group argues is not only unlawful but also lacks transparency and accountability.
In a statement released on Friday, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, revealed that the suit was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja the previous week. The legal action follows recent allegations by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who accused members of the National Assembly of fixing their salaries and allowances in violation of recommendations made by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
According to SERAP, the practice of the National Assembly determining its own remuneration is not only a breach of legal standards but also a violation of public trust. The group contends that these actions undermine the integrity of public office and erode confidence in the government’s commitment to financial probity.
The lawsuit seeks an order of mandamus from the court to compel Mr. Akpabio and Mr. Abbas to immediately halt the practice of the National Assembly fixing its own remuneration, including allowances referred to as “running costs.” Additionally, SERAP is calling for full disclosure of the exact amount of these running costs that are currently being paid to lawmakers, as well as detailed accounts of how these funds are being spent.
SERAP’s lawsuit is part of its broader campaign to ensure transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public institutions. By challenging the National Assembly’s financial practices, SERAP hopes to set a precedent that will lead to greater oversight and adherence to legal frameworks regarding public funds.
