The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Filed on August 27, 2024, at the Federal High Court in Abuja (case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1289/2024), the lawsuit challenges their handling of the National Assembly’s allowances and running costs.
SERAP accuses Akpabio and Abbas of unlawfully setting their own salaries, allowances, and running costs, and failing to account for these expenditures. The organization is seeking a court order to end this practice and compel the disclosure of detailed information about the running costs paid to lawmakers.
In its filing, SERAP argues that the practice violates Nigerian constitutional provisions and international anti-corruption obligations, including the UN Convention against Corruption. The suit asserts that the National Assembly’s self-regulation of its compensation and the alleged deposit of running costs into personal accounts breach fiduciary duties and financial regulations.
The lawsuit also cites violations of Rule 713 of the Federal Government Financial Regulations, which prohibits the deposit of public funds into personal accounts. SERAP is calling for an end to these practices and greater transparency in the management of public resources.
A hearing date for the suit has not yet been set.
