SERAP Demands N110bn Refund From Akpabio, Abbas Over Unlawful Vehicle, Allowance Spending

SERAP has given Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas seven days to ensure lawmakers refund N110 billion spent on vehicles and allowances, after a Federal High Court ruled the spending unlawful.

The court, presided over by Justice Yellim Bogoro in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023, found that N40 billion spent on 465 vehicles for lawmakers and N70 billion in support allowances breached procurement laws and constitutional obligations.

In a letter dated June 20 and signed by deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged the National Assembly leadership to establish mechanisms ensuring future procurements comply with due process and transparency principles.

SERAP also called for public hearings on lawmakers’ budgets during every budget cycle and proactive publication of the National Assembly’s detailed expenditure information.

The organisation asked Akpabio and Abbas to ensure all monies, allowances, and benefits from the unlawful schemes are returned to the public treasury within the seven-day window.

The judgment followed a suit filed by SERAP challenging the procurement of vehicles and payment of allowances to newly elected members of the 10th National Assembly without following due process.

Sources: Vanguard, Premium Times