The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, challenging the practice of National Assembly members setting their own allowances and “running costs.” The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks judicial intervention to halt what SERAP deems an unlawful practice.
SERAP’s suit demands that the court:
- End the practice of lawmakers setting their own remuneration and allowances.
- Reveal details of the monthly running costs and spending of lawmakers.
- Stop the alleged direct payment of running costs into personal accounts of lawmakers.
SERAP argues that this practice violates the Nigerian Constitution, which bars the National Assembly from determining its own pay. The organization also asserts that paying public funds into personal accounts breaches Rule 713 of the Federal Government Financial Regulations, which prohibits such transactions.
The lawsuit raises concerns about transparency and accountability, alleging that lawmakers’ ability to set their own salaries misuses their power and contradicts their constitutional duty to act in the public interest. It also points to past failures in managing public resources effectively.
The suit includes a reference to Senator Kawu Sumaila’s claim that each senator receives approximately N21 million monthly in running costs, salaries, and allowances, despite their base salary being significantly lower. SERAP aims to enhance accountability and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions through this legal action. The court date for the case is yet to be set.
