SERAP Takes Legal Action Against Akpabio And Abbas For Alleged Lack Of Transparency In N344.85bn NASS Budget

SERAP Takes Legal Action Against Akpabio And Abbas For Alleged Lack Of Transparency In N344.85bn NASS Budget....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal proceedings against the Senate President, Mr. Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas. The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja under the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/178/2024, addresses concerns related to the National Assembly budget for the year 2024, totaling N344.85 billion……..CONTINUE READING

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SERAP is specifically seeking an “order of mandamus” to compel Mr. Akpabio and Mr. Abbas to disclose, clarify, and explain various aspects of the budget. Among the contentious points are the allocation of N6 billion for two car parks, N8.5 billion for ‘National Assembly liabilities,’ and N3 billion each for the ‘Senate Car Park’ and ‘House of Representatives Car Park.’

The organization argues that the lack of transparency in the National Assembly’s budgetary allocations hampers citizens’ ability to scrutinize, monitor, and hold lawmakers accountable for the expenditure of public funds. It contends that the disclosure of detailed budget information is crucial to prevent potential mismanagement, diversion, or theft of public funds.

SERAP asserts that opacity in the spending of the N344.85 billion National Assembly budget could adversely impact the fundamental interests of citizens and the public at large. The organization emphasizes the constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly to act in the public interest, combat waste, and be accountable for its spending while exercising oversight functions.

According to SERAP, transparency and accountability in public administration are vital elements of democracy. Access to information regarding the activities and spending of lawmakers is a constitutional and internationally recognized human right, and the organization contends that the public interest in obtaining such information outweighs any other concerns.

The lawsuit was filed by SERAP’s lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Andrew Nwankwo, who argue that disclosing the details of the National Assembly budget would enhance public trust, allow citizens to track and monitor spending, and ensure lawmakers’ accountability. They stress that citizens have the right to scrutinize how their tax money is spent, particularly given the economic challenges faced by the country.

The National Assembly’s budget for 2024 reportedly saw a significant increase to N344.48 billion, representing over a 70% increase from the proposed N197 billion in President Bola Tinubu’s budget submission. The lawsuit details various budgetary allocations, including those for the National Assembly Office, Senate, House of Representatives, National Assembly Service Commission, Legislative Aides, and other items.

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Source: Bushradiogist