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 multi-million naira monthly running costs paid to and received by members of the National Assembly and details of the expenditure of these running costs.
SERAP also called on Akpabio and Abbas to urgently end the alleged practice of the National Assembly of setting its own salaries, allowances and running costs, in line with the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended) and Nigeria’s international obligations.
SERAP disclosed this in a letter dated August 17, 2024, signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.
“The allegations that members of the National Assembly determine their own salaries, allowances and running costs are completely contrary to and inconsistent with the oath of office enshrined in the Constitution and the object and purpose of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a state party,” the letter said.
“We would be grateful if the recommended actions were taken within seven days of receipt and/or publication 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.”
