SERAP TO SUE AKPABIO OVER SENATORS’ ‘HOLIDAY ALLOWANCES’
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has vowed to take legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following allegations of “holiday allowances” being paid to senators while millions of Nigerians grapple with economic challenges triggered by the fuel subsidy removal.
SERAP announced its decision to sue the Senate President, raising concerns about the allocation of funds to senators at a time when ordinary citizens are facing severe financial hardships.
In a tweet, SERAP expressed its intention to take legal action against Akpabio, stating, “We’re suing the Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the alleged payments of ‘holiday allowances’ by the Clerk of the National Assembly into the ‘various accounts’ of senators while over 137 million poor Nigerians face severe economic hardship.”
During a parliamentary session, Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Nigerian Senate, inadvertently disclose that funds had been disbursed to senators for their ‘recess enjoyment.’ A video clip capturing Mr. Akpabio’s slip-up has rapidly spread across social media platforms.
While specific details of the lawsuit and charges are yet to be disclosed, the move by SERAP underscores the growing discontent surrounding the allocation of resources to lawmakers amidst economic challenges faced by the nation.
Recalling a previous controversial incident involving Akpabio, last month, on July 25, the Senate President faced criticism for his remarks regarding the proposed electricity tariff increment.
While passing a motion, Akpabio humorously urged the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and electricity distribution companies to consider the financial constraints faced by Nigerians, saying, “Let the poor breathe.” The comment was met with mixed reactions, with many deeming it insensitive and dismissive of the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Reacting to the controversy on ARISE TV’s Breakfast Programme, The Morning Show, Rufai Oseni, the host, criticized the nonchalant attitude displayed by some senators in light of the economic challenges faced by the populace. He highlighted the dissonance between the senators’ actions and the economic realities endured by many Nigerians, emphasizing the need for responsible governance and fiscal accountability.
As SERAP takes legal action against Akpabio and public discourse intensifies around the controversial “holiday allowances” and the “Let The Poor Breathe” remark, citizens continue to express their frustration over rising petrol prices and the subsequent impact on everyday commodities. The nation watches closely as these developments shape the ongoing dialogue on transparency, governance, and economic equity.