SERAP Demands Accountability for Running Costs from Akpabio and Abbas, Threatens Legal Action

• SERAP urges Senate President Akpabio and Speaker Abbas to disclose monthly running costs and spending details for National Assembly members
• The organization calls for an end to lawmakers setting their own salaries, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to disclose the exact amounts of the monthly running costs currently received by members of the National Assembly and reveal how these funds are being spent.

In its appeal, SERAP emphasized the need to end the alleged practice of the National Assembly setting its salaries, allowances, and running costs. The organization argued that this practice contradicts the Nigerian Constitution and international obligations. SERAP further called for an end to depositing running costs directly into lawmakers’ personal accounts and recommended that appropriate anti-corruption agencies investigate any misuse or mismanagement of these funds.

In a letter dated August 17, 2024, signed by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization expressed concern over the lawmakers’ practice of determining their own compensation and the lack of transparency surrounding the expenditure of millions of naira in running costs.

SERAP pointed out that the constitutional oath of office requires lawmakers to ensure transparency and accountability in disclosing the exact amounts they receive as salaries, allowances, and running costs. The organization highlighted that paragraph N, section 32(d) of the Third Schedule to the Nigerian Constitution makes it unlawful for the National Assembly to set its own compensation.

SERAP warned that if no action is taken within seven days of receiving or publishing the letter, the organization would pursue legal action to compel compliance in the public interest.

The group also stressed that accounting for and returning any misused or mismanaged running costs would help build public trust in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law. Furthermore, it would enhance lawmakers’ ability to fulfill their constitutional and statutory responsibilities effectively.

SERAP cited the UN Convention against Corruption, which requires public officials to promote integrity, honesty, and responsibility in managing public resources. The organization emphasized that Nigerians have the right to scrutinize how their lawmakers spend tax money and that lawmakers should act in the public interest rather than for personal gain.

The letter also referenced a recent disclosure by Senator Kawu Sumaila, who revealed that each Nigerian senator receives at least N21 million monthly in running costs, salaries, and allowances. Additionally, SERAP mentioned former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s allegation that lawmakers set their own salaries and allowances, contrary to the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMAFC) recommendations.

SERAP concluded by calling on the National Assembly to fulfill its constitutional responsibility to combat abuse in its spending, thereby upholding public trust and ensuring accountability.