The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a formal request to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, urging them to reveal the precise monthly operational expenses allocated to National Assembly members.
Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP’s Deputy Director, called for transparency regarding these costs.
Recall that former Senator Shehu Sani had claimed that Senators receive over N13 million monthly, a statement that was contested by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission.
SERAP’s statement emphasizes the need for the National Assembly to halt the alleged practice of setting its own salaries, allowances, and operational costs. The organization insists that this practice contradicts the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended) and Nigeria’s international commitments.
Additionally, SERAP is calling for an end to the alleged practice of depositing operational costs into lawmakers’ personal accounts. They urge the National Assembly to refer any evidence of misuse or mismanagement to anti-corruption agencies for investigation and possible prosecution.
The statement further demands that the total amount of operational costs paid to lawmakers be disclosed and that any misused funds be returned. SERAP expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and the significant sums being managed by lawmakers.
According to SERAP, the Nigerian Constitution mandates transparency and accountability from lawmakers regarding their salaries and allowances. They argue that the current practices are incompatible with both the constitutional oath of office and Nigeria’s obligations under the UN Convention against Corruption.
SERAP’s letter urges the National Assembly leadership to act within seven days of receiving or publishing the letter. If there is no response, SERAP plans to pursue legal action to enforce compliance.
The letter stresses that proper accounting and restitution of misused funds are essential for restoring public trust in democratic institutions and reinforcing the rule of law. It highlights the constitutional responsibility of lawmakers to combat financial abuse and adhere to legal standards in managing public resources.
Recent statements by Senator Kawu Sumaila and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, alleging high monthly earnings for Senators and self-determined salaries, have intensified the call for greater accountability and transparency in the National Assembly’s financial practices.
Be the first to comment