SERAP Sues Akpabio Over Alleged Budget Padding, Failure to Recall Ningi

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal proceedings against Senate President Godswill Akpabio for allegedly neglecting to refer the purported N3.7 trillion budget padding to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution, as well as for failing to reinstate Senator Abdul Ningi, who exposed the allegations.

In a statement released on Sunday, SERAP disclosed that they filed a suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/452/2024) at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, April 5. The suit was filed by SERAP’s lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Mrs. Adelanke Aremo.

According to SERAP, the lawsuit names Mr. Akpabio both personally and on behalf of all Senate members.

Senator Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central, was suspended by the Senate for three months on March 12, 2024, following his claims of budget padding.

Ningi alleged in an interview with BBC Hausa that the budget passed by the National Assembly for the 2024 fiscal year was N25 trillion, while the Presidency implemented one totaling N28.7 trillion.

SERAP’s suit seeks various orders, including mandamus to compel Akpabio to refer the alleged budget padding for investigation, reinstate Senator Ningi, and establish transparency mechanisms for constituency projects’ funds.

SERAP emphasized that granting their application would promote public interest, encourage whistleblowers, enhance public services, and ensure accountability in public resource management.

Akpabio’s counsel, Umeh Kalu (SAN), clarified that the Senate’s decision to suspend Ningi was made collectively by the Senate, not solely by Akpabio.

However, SERAP criticized Ningi’s suspension as retaliatory and flawed, stressing his status as a whistleblower.

While a hearing date for the suit is pending, SERAP underscored the importance of addressing budget padding and corruption allegations to combat poverty and strengthen democratic institutions.