SERAP threatens to sue Akpabio, Abass over secrecy of MPs’ ‘operational costs’

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas to “urgently disclose the exact amount of the multi-million naira monthly operating expenses currently paid and received by members of the National Assembly and the details of the expenditure of such operating expenses.”

SERAP also urged them to “immediately end the alleged practice of the National Assembly setting its own salaries, allowances and operating expenses, in accordance with the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.” [as amended]and the country’s international obligations.”

SERAP urged them “to end the alleged practice of depositing operational costs into the personal accounts of members of parliament, and to refer alleged misuse or mismanagement of operational costs to the appropriate anti-corruption body for investigation and prosecution if there is relevant admissible evidence.”

SERAP urged them to “immediately disclose the total amount of operational expenses so far paid and received by the parliamentarians and to ensure the return of any misused or mismanaged public funds.”

In a letter dated August 17, 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “We are concerned about the practices adopted by members of parliament in managing their salaries, allowances and operational expenses, as well as the opacity and expenditure of millions of naira on operational expenses by members of parliament.”

SERAP stated, “The constitutional oath of office of DPR members requires them to ensure transparency and accountability in the exact amount of salary, allowances and operational costs they receive.”

The letter read in part: “The provisions of paragraph N, section 32(d) of the Third Schedule to the Nigerian Constitution clearly state that the National Assembly is not empowered to fix its own salaries, allowances and operating expenses.”

“The allegation that members of the National Assembly set their own salaries, allowances and operating expenses is totally inconsistent and inconsistent with the constitutional oath of office and the objectives of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption which Nigeria has ratified.

“We would appreciate it if the suggested steps are taken within seven days of receipt and/or issuance of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP will take all appropriate legal action to compel you and other members of the National Assembly to comply with our request in the public interest.

“Accounting and returning any misappropriated or mismanaged operational expenses collected by members of the National Assembly will build confidence in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law.

“Accounting for and returning any misappropriated or mismanaged operating costs collected will also enhance the ability of lawmakers to effectively and efficiently carry out their constitutional and legal responsibilities.

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“A state’s international legal obligations, particularly under the UN Convention Against Corruption, impose a legal commitment on public officials, including members of parliament, to carry out their public duties honestly and faithfully.

“Nigerians have the right to scrutinize how their lawmakers spend their taxpayers’ and the nation’s money. Nigerians also have the right to honest and truthful performance from public officials, including lawmakers.

“The allegations also clearly show that members are taking advantage of the public office entrusted to them. Ending the reported practice of parliamentarians setting their own salaries, allowances and operating expenses will enhance public confidence in the integrity and honesty of the National Assembly.

“It will show that the Senate and the House of Representatives under your leadership can focus on serving the public interest of the Nigerian people rather than looking after themselves.

“The oath of office stipulated in the Constitution requires public officials, including members of the DPR, to refrain from any form of improper action, such as setting their own salaries, allowances, and operational costs, which are not in accordance with the people’s mandate.

“The National Assembly has a constitutional responsibility to combat abuses in its own expenditure if it is to effectively exercise its oversight function and hold the government to account.

“It would be a tragedy and a fundamental violation of their fiduciary duties for National Assembly members to set their own salaries, allowances and operating expenses.

“By exercising strong and effective leadership on this issue, the National Assembly can demonstrate to Nigerians that the legislature is a proper and responsible oversight body that represents and protects the public interest, and is capable of being accountable in the management of public resources.”

SERAP threatens to sue Akpabio, Abass over secrecy surrounding ‘operational expenses’ for lawmakers first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.