SERAP Asks Court to Slash Buhari, Govs, N’Assembly Members’ Allowances

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to order the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to review downward the remuneration and allowances of President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, 36 governors and members of the National Assembly.

The group said this should be done by the duo by performing their statutory functions.

SERAP in a suit number FHC/ ABJ/CS/658/2021 filed last Friday, SERAP seek“an order of mandamus to direct and compel the RMAFC to send its downward review of the remuneration and allowances of these high-ranking public office holders and recommendations to the National Assembly for appropriate remedial and legislative action, as provided for by the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended).

SERAP said slashing jumbo pay for these high-ranking political officeholders would reduce the unfair pay disparity between political officer holders and judicial officers.

The rights organisations said addressing the persistent poor treatment of judges, would improve access of victims of corruption to justice and effective remedies.

SERAP is also seeking“an order of mandamus to direct and compel the RMAFC to perform its mandatory constitutional duty to urgently review upward the remuneration, salaries and allowances, as well as the conditions of service for Nigerian judges.”

Joined in the suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Adelanke Aremo, are Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan; Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, for themselves, and on behalf of all members of the Senate and House of Representative; and the National Judicial Council.