SERAP To Sue Akpabio Over Holiday Allowances Amid Economic Crisis
By Mark IDRAH
A Non-governmental organization called Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) says it will file a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio concerning the disbursement of “holiday allowances” to senators by the Clerk of the National Assembly.
Although Senate President Godswill Akpabio is yet to release an official statement regarding the allegations and impending legal action against himself, SERAP has said the contentious move comes at a time when almost 70 per cent of Nigerians are grappling with severe economic challenges.
In a brief statement via its official handle, SERAP announced that it was suing the Senate President who had made the gaffe announcement on Monday during plenary.
We’re suing the Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the alleged payments of “holiday allowances” by the Clerk of the National Assembly into various accounts of senators while over 137 million poor Nigerians face severe economic hardship, SERAP stated.
Akpabio while presiding over the Senate plenary on Monday August 7th, informed his colleagues that their accounts has been credited by the Clerk of the House to enable them enjoy their holiday.
However, Senator Akpabio's gaffe have stirred controversy across the nation, raising questions about the legitimacy and timing of such money transfers. Critics argue that when a significant portion of the nation’s population is facing economic hardship, such allowances seem both unjust and inconsiderate.
Though details of the lawsuit, including the petitioners and the specific charges, are yet to be disclosed. However, the move signifies rising tension and scrutiny over the management of public funds, especially in the light of the present economic realities that's biting hard on the citizens.
Even as the Senate President is yet to release an official statement regarding the allegations and impending legal action by SERAP against him, stakeholders across the country are eagerly waiting for further developments, with many demanding transparency, accountability, and judicious use of public funds in these challenging times.
The Stakeholders are wondering why the Senate President would urged the Clerk of the House to disburse public funds into their various accounts in order for them to enjoy their holiday, while the people they represent wallow in hunger and severe hardship. An act SERAP has said they must challenge in the law court.
