The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to disclose and account for the monthly running costs paid to and received by members of the National Assembly.
SERAP also called on them to immediately 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 the country’s international obligations.
The organisation called on them to end the alleged practice of transferring running costs to MPs’ private accounts and to report any alleged misuse or mismanagement of running costs to the relevant anti-corruption authorities for investigation and prosecution.
In the letter signed over the weekend by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation expressed concern over the practices of parliamentarians in determining their salaries, allowances and running costs, as well as the lack of transparency in the spending of millions of naira on running costs by parliamentarians.
SERAP stated that MPs’ constitutional oath of office requires them to ensure transparency and accountability in their salaries, allowances and running costs.
It was noted that under the provisions of paragraph N, section 32(d) of the Third Schedule to the Nigerian Constitution, the National Assembly was not permitted to determine its own salaries, allowances and running costs.
“The allegations that members of the National Assembly determine their own salaries, allowances and running costs are completely contrary to and inconsistent with their constitutional oath of office and the object and purpose of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a state party,” the organisation said.
SERAP noted that the accounting and reimbursement of all misappropriated or mismanaged running costs collected by members of the National Assembly would increase confidence in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law.
“Nigerians have the right to scrutinise how their representatives spend their tax money and the public. Nigerians also have the right to expect honest and conscientious conduct from their public officials, including members of parliament.”
“The allegations also amount to MPs abusing the public offices entrusted to them. An end to the alleged practice of MPs setting their own salaries, allowances and running costs would strengthen public confidence in the integrity and honesty of the National Assembly.
“It would demonstrate that under your leadership, the Senate and the House of Representatives can focus on the public interest of Nigerians rather than looking out for themselves,” SERAP said.
