The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) says it will file a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio concerning the disbursement of “holiday allowances” to senators by the Clerk of the National Assembly.
This contentious move comes at a time when almost 70 per cent of Nigerians are grappling with severe economic challenges.
In a brief statement via its official X handle, SERAP announced that it was suing the Senate President who had made the gaffe announcement on Monday during plenary.
“We’re suing the Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the alleged payments of “holiday allowances” by the Clerk of the National Assembly into the “various accounts” of senators while some 137 million poor Nigerians face severe economic hardship,” SERAP stated.
Akpabio’s gaffe stirred controversy across the nation, raising questions about the legitimacy and timing of such money transfers. Critics argue that when a significant portion of the nation’s population is facing economic hardship, such allowances seem both unjust and inconsiderate.
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Details of the lawsuit, including the petitioners and the specific charges, are yet to be disclosed. However, the move signifies rising tension and scrutiny over the management of public funds, especially in the light of the present economic climate.
The Senate President has not yet released an official statement regarding the allegations and impending legal action and stakeholders across the country eagerly await further developments, with many demanding transparency, accountability, and judicious use of public funds in these challenging times.
Crux News earlier reported that Nigerians have continued to criticize Akpabio after an utterance on live television that money has been sent to senators to enjoy their recess.
The Upper Chamber on Monday concluded the screening and confirmation of President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominees, and thereafter adjourned plenary to September 26.
Akpabio, in a video trending making way on social media seen was addressing his colleagues before the adjournment motion was moved.
The Senate President said money had been sent by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Magaji Tambuwal, to the senators to “enjoy” their holidays.
