In a bold move to stern corruption and restore public confidence, Socio- Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued seven days ultimatum to the senate president Godswill Akpabio and speaker house of representative, Tajudeen Abbas, to return to the public treasury all monies ,allowances and benefits derived from the 40 billion naira vehicle procurement and 70 billion naira support allowances scheme for law makers, declaring it illegal.
The notice follows the judgement of the Federal High Court Lagos which found that the spending of the said 110 billion naira by the National Assembly breached procurement laws and constitutional obligations as well as the public trust.
SERAP therefore,urges the law makers to as a matter of policy,institutionalise public hearings on the National Assembly budgets in every budget circle just like the executive arm of government,and effectively publish it's budget and expenditure details to enhance transparency,restore public confidence and promote meaningful public participation in the budgeting process.
With Nigeria grappling with high annual inflation rate that stands at 15.93 percent driving high cost of food commodities,high cost of living with majority of Nigerians living below poverty lines and worsening security situations in the country,such obnoxious spending by the National Assembly, is not just outrageous but senseless and insensitive to the plights of the people.
No public official should be permitted to retain benefits obtained through conduct that has been judicially determined to be unconditional.
Restitution is therefore, necessary to uphold the rule of law, restore public trust and ensure accountability in public spending.
As framers of the constitution, and representatives of the people, the law makers should not indulge in acts that contravenes the law and should be accountable to the Nigerian people they represent.
Aja A.
Social Analyst
B.A. History International Relations
M.A Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.
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