NASS: Account for running costs or face legal action – SERAP tells Akpabio, Abbas

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to immediately disclose the exact amount of the monthly running costs, amounting to millions of naira, being paid to and received by members of the National Assembly, along with the spending details of such running costs.

SERAP also urged Akpabio and Abbas to urgently end the alleged practice by the National Assembly of fixing its own salaries, allowances, and running costs, in conformity with the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended] and Nigeria’s international obligations.

SERAP made this known in a letter dated August 17, 2024, signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare.

“The allegations that members of the National Assembly are fixing their own salaries, allowances, and running costs are entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the constitutional oath of office and the object and purpose of the UN Convention against corruption, to which Nigeria is a state party,” the letter partly read.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter.

“If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and other members of the National Assembly to comply with our request in the public interest.”