The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened to sue the senate president, Mr Godswill Akpabio over his alleged payment of “holiday allowances” to senators.
Recall that the senate president had on Monday, July 7 announced that money would be sent by the clerk of the national assembly, Mr Magaji Tambuwal to the accounts of the legislators to enjoy their recess.
In a viral video that surfaced on social media on Wednesday, Akpabio made the statement before a motion of adjournment was moved at the conclusion of the senate’s ministerial screening on Monday, August 7.
“In order to enable all of us to enjoy our holidays, a token has been sent to our various accounts by the clerk of the national assembly.”
Shortly after, the senate president was alerted by some of his colleagues that the plenary session was live on television.
Akpabio then made another statement to ‘counter’ what he had earlier revealed.
“I withdraw that statement. In order to allow you to enjoy your holiday, the Senate President has sent prayers to your mailboxes to assist you to go on a safe journey and return.”
Reacting, SERAP said in brief statement via its official X handle, that it was suing Akpabio for the announcement he made 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.
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.
