The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, over the alleged misappropriation of N18.6 billion meant for the construction of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) Office Complex. The National Assembly Service Commission is also joined as a respondent in the suit.
The lawsuit follows a report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, which revealed that the funds allocated for the project could not be accounted for. According to the report, a “fictitious construction company” was allegedly paid N18.6 billion for the project. SERAP is seeking a court order to compel Akpabio, Abbas, and the NASC to account for the missing funds and disclose the identity of the company that received the payment.
The rights group is also seeking access to documents related to the project, including assessment reports, bid advertisements, and construction contracts. SERAP argues that the alleged misappropriation of funds is a violation of the public trust and the Nigerian Constitution. The group believes that granting the reliefs sought would serve the public interest and promote transparency and accountability in the National Assembly.
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, is the latest development in a series of allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the National Assembly. The case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of public funds in Nigeria. SERAP’s lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo, argue that the National Assembly has a constitutional responsibility to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
The lawsuit is a significant step towards promoting accountability and good governance in Nigeria. The outcome of the case will be closely watched, as it has implications for the country’s efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency in the use of public funds. A date for the hearing of the suit has not been fixed yet.