The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to promptly refer allegations of budget padding amounting to N3.7 trillion to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for thorough investigation and prosecution.
In a letter addressed to Akpabio and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization also urged for the immediate reinstatement of suspended Senator Abdul Ningi.
Ningi had made allegations suggesting irregular insertions of projects worth N3.7 trillion into the 2024 budget.
SERAP emphasized the importance of upholding transparency and accountability in the budgetary process, urging the Senate to publicly commit to discontinuing unlawful constituency projects in future budget cycles.
Oluwadare stressed that referring the allegations to anti-corruption agencies would align with lawmakers’ oath of office and the constitutional duty to uphold integrity and transparency.
The organization applauded Ningi’s actions as an act of good citizenship and emphasized that whistleblowers should not face penalties for making disclosures in the public interest.
“Referring the allegations to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would improve public trust in the ability of the leadership of the Senate to ensure probity and accountability in the budget process,” Oluwadare stated.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel you and the Senate to comply with our requests in the public interest.”
