The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal action against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, citing his alleged failure to refer purported budget padding totaling N3.7 trillion to relevant anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution. Additionally, SERAP seeks the reinstatement of Senator Abdul Ningi, who disclosed these allegations.
Filed on Friday, April 5, with the Federal High Court in Abuja under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/452/2024, the lawsuit was brought forward by SERAP’s legal representatives, Kolawole Oluwadare, also the organization’s Deputy Director, and Mrs. Adelanke Aremo. This development was disclosed in a statement released on Sunday by Oluwadare and circulated to the press.
Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, faced a three-month suspension by the Senate on March 12, 2024, for his claims of budget padding. Speaking to BBC Hausa, Ningi alleged that the National Assembly passed a budget of N25 trillion, while the Presidency implemented one totaling N28.7 trillion. He pointed out that N3 trillion was inserted into the budget for projects lacking specific locations, marking it as the most significant instance of budget padding in Nigerian history under Senator Akpabio’s tenure.
SERAP’s suit seeks various orders, including mandamus to compel Akpabio to refer the alleged budget padding to anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution, as well as to ensure Ningi’s reinstatement. The organization underscores the importance of protecting whistleblowers and promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
In response, Akpabio’s counsel, Umeh Kalu (SAN), clarified that the decision to suspend Ningi originated from the Senate as a whole, not solely from Akpabio. However, SERAP contends that Ningi’s suspension was unjust and retaliatory.
While the court is yet to schedule a hearing for the suit, SERAP emphasizes the detrimental impact of budget padding and corruption on Nigeria’s development and calls for proper investigation and prosecution to curb impunity among perpetrators. They stress the importance of strengthening democratic institutions and upholding the rule of law to foster public trust and socio-economic progress.
