The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas. The lawsuit is in response to their alleged failure to address the practice of the National Assembly setting its own allowances and running costs, which SERAP argues is both unlawful and unaccounted for.
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1289/2024, targets Akpabio and Abbas, representing themselves and all members of the National Assembly. The legal action follows former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent claims that lawmakers have been setting their salaries and allowances independently, without adhering to recommendations from the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMAFC).
Key Points of the Lawsuit:
Mandamus Orders: SERAP seeks court orders to compel Akpabio and Abbas to cease the alleged unlawful practice of setting their remuneration and allowances. Additionally, the lawsuit demands transparency, asking for the disclosure of the exact monthly running costs paid to lawmakers and detailed accounts of how these funds are spent.
Misuse of Public Funds: SERAP is also pushing for an end to the practice of paying running costs into the personal accounts of lawmakers. The group argues that this violates Federal Government Financial Regulations, which prohibit the deposit of public funds into private accounts.
Constitutional Obligations: The lawsuit emphasizes that the actions of the lawmakers are inconsistent with their constitutional oath of office, which requires them to act transparently and in the public interest. SERAP contends that the current practices undermine public trust and are detrimental to the nation’s integrity.
SERAP argues that the practice of fixing their salaries, allowances, and running costs is a clear violation of the Nigerian Constitution. The group also references international obligations, including those under the UN Convention against Corruption, which require public officials to manage resources honestly and responsibly.
The lawsuit also highlights that transparency in the management of public funds is crucial to maintaining public confidence in the National Assembly. According to SERAP, the lawmakers’ actions are a breach of their fiduciary duties and an abuse of power.
In recent revelations, Senator Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South Senatorial District, claimed that each senator earns at least N21 million monthly in running costs, salaries, and allowances, which he argues is far beyond what is constitutionally permitted.
As of now, the court has not set a date for the hearing. This case could have significant implications for how public funds are managed and may set a precedent for greater accountability in the National Assembly.
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