The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over allegations of failure to address the purported N3.7 trillion budget padding and the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi, who blew the whistle on the matter.
In a suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP accuses Akpabio of neglecting to refer the alleged budget padding to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution. Additionally, the organization seeks the reinstatement of Senator Ningi, who was suspended by the Senate for three months after exposing irregularities in the budget.
SERAP argues that whistleblowers like Senator Ningi should not face penalties for disclosing public interest information, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. The organization calls for an order to compel Akpabio to ensure accountability mechanisms for constituency projects to prevent embezzlement or misappropriation.
Responding to the suspension of Senator Ningi, Akpabio’s counsel clarified that the decision was made by the Senate in plenary, not by Akpabio personally. However, SERAP contends that the suspension was flawed and retaliatory.
The organization asserts that proper investigation and prosecution of budget padding allegations are essential to combat corruption, enhance public trust in democratic institutions, and strengthen the rule of law. SERAP highlights the need for accountability in budget processes to address poverty and underdevelopment.