SERAP Gives Akpabio, Abbas Seven Days to Refund N110 Billion Spent on Lawmakers' Vehicles, Allowances
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, demanding the refund of over N110 billion allegedly spent on vehicles and allowances for members of the National Assembly.
According to SERAP, the expenditure raises serious concerns about accountability, transparency, and the prudent management of public funds, especially at a time when many Nigerians are facing economic hardship.
The organisation urged the leadership of the National Assembly to account for the spending and ensure that any funds found to have been unlawfully or improperly allocated are recovered and returned to the public treasury.
SERAP also warned that it may pursue legal action if its demands are not met within the stipulated seven-day period.
The group argued that public officials have a constitutional and moral responsibility to ensure that public resources are used in a manner that prioritises the welfare of citizens and promotes good governance.
The development has reignited debate over the cost of governance in Nigeria, with critics calling for greater transparency in the budgeting and expenditure of the legislative arm of government.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the office of the Senate President nor that of the Speaker of the House of Representatives had publicly responded to SERAP's demand.
The latest move by SERAP adds to ongoing scrutiny of public spending and renewed calls for accountability in the management of government resources.