SERAP sues Akpabio ‘ over failure to recall Ningi, refer N3.7tr budget padding to EFCC, ICPC’

SOCIO- ECONOMIC Rights and Accountability Project ( SERAP) has sued President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, at the Federal High Court, Abuja over “failure to refer the alleged N3.7 trillion budget padding to appropriate anti- corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution, and to recall Senator Abdul Ningi, who blew the whistle on the allegations.”

In the suit, numbered FHC/ ABJ/ CS/ 452/ 2024 and filed at the weekend, the organisation is seeking an order of mandamus to prosecute the case.

The body is also demanding an order to compel Akpabio to immediately take steps to ensure Ningi’s reinstatement.

SERAP is also seeking an order of mandamus to direct and compel Akpabio to put in place transparency and accountability mechanisms to ensure that the trillions of Naira budgeted for constituency projects are not embezzled, misappropriated or diverted into private pockets.

In the suit, the body argued that granting the application would serve the public interest, encourage whistleblowers to speak up, improve public services and ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. “Directing Akpabio to refer these allegations to appropriate anti- corruption agencies and reinstate the whistleblower, Abdul Ningi, would be consistent and compatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 ( as amended) and the country’s international obligations.

“The allegations by Senator Ningi amount to public interest disclosures and can contribute to strengthening transparency and democratic accountability in the Senate in particular, and the country as a whole,” the group stated.