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 disclose the exact amount of monthly running costs allocated to members of the National Assembly. This demand comes in the wake of ongoing controversies surrounding the compensation of Nigerian senators.
Public Outcry Over Senators’ Salaries
The issue of high salaries and allowances for Nigerian senators has long been a source of public dissatisfaction. Many Nigerians believe that lawmakers are compensated far beyond what is justified by their duties, especially in light of the widespread poverty and economic hardship facing the country. The debate intensified when former Senator Shehu Sani alleged that senators receive over N13 million monthly. Although the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission denied these claims, the controversy has led to increased criticism and SERAP’s demand for transparency.
SERAP’s Demands for Accountability and Disclosure
In a statement dated August 17, 2024, and made available to Channels Television, SERAP urged the National Assembly leadership to immediately end the practice of determining their own salaries, allowances, and running costs, in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international obligations. SERAP also requested that the National Assembly disclose the total amount of running costs paid to lawmakers to date and ensure the return of any misused public funds.
Legal Violations and Ethical Concerns
SERAP’s statement emphasized the legal and ethical issues surrounding the alleged practices in the National Assembly. The organization cited provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, specifically paragraph N, section 32(d) of the Third Schedule, which make it unlawful for the National Assembly to fix its own salaries, allowances, and running costs. Furthermore, SERAP referenced the UN Convention against Corruption, which requires public officials to manage public resources with integrity and transparency, underscoring that the current practices are inconsistent with the lawmakers’ constitutional oath of office.
SERAP’s Ultimatum and Call for Reform
SERAP issued an ultimatum to the National Assembly, stating that if the recommended measures are not implemented within seven days, the organization will take legal action to compel compliance in the public interest. SERAP highlighted that returning any misused running costs would restore public trust in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law. The organization urged the National Assembly to demonstrate its commitment to serving the public interest by upholding transparency and accountability.
Broader Implications for Public Trust and Governance
SERAP warned that the alleged self-serving actions of lawmakers could severely undermine public confidence in the integrity of the National Assembly.
The organization noted that the constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly includes combating abuses in its own spending and holding the government accountable. SERAP concluded by stating that strong and effective leadership in addressing these issues would show that the National Assembly is a credible and accountable body dedicated to representing and protecting the public interest.
