SERAP Urges Akpabio To Refer Budget Padding Allegations To EFCC, ICPC, And Reinstate Senator Ningi

SERAP Urges Akpabio To Refer Budget Padding Allegations To EFCC, ICPC, And Reinstate Senator Ningi

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has made a compelling appeal to Senate President Mr. Godswill Akpabio to promptly refer the allegations of budget padding in the 2024 budget to relevant anti-corruption agencies for thorough investigation and prosecution……READ ALSO SERAP Threatens Legal Action Against Nigerian Senate Over Senator Ningi’s Suspension

In a letter dated 16th March 2024 and signed by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization also urged Akpabio to immediately reinstate whistleblower Abdul Ningi, who was recently suspended from the Senate for exposing the alleged budget padding.

SERAP emphasized the importance of making a public commitment to discontinue the unlawful constituency projects in the upcoming budget cycle.

The organization stressed that referring these allegations to appropriate anti-corruption agencies aligns with the lawmakers’ oath of office and the Nigerian Constitution.

SERAP commended Senator Ningi’s actions as a positive act of good citizenship and denounced his suspension, arguing that whistleblowers should never face penalties for making public interest disclosures.

Rather than suspending Senator Ningi, SERAP urged the Senate to utilize his allegations as a catalyst for addressing the persistent issue of budget padding and corruption in constituency project implementation.

Referring the allegations to bodies like the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would enhance public trust in the Senate’s ability to ensure transparency and accountability in the budget process, SERAP asserted.

The organization called for swift action within seven days of receipt or publication of their letter, warning of legal action if their requests are not heeded in the public interest.

By demonstrating strong and effective leadership, the National Assembly can prove its commitment to representing and protecting the public interest, SERAP emphasized.

Encouraging whistleblowers to come forward enhances public services and strengthens accountability, the organization noted, urging prompt investigation and prosecution of the allegations to uphold the rule of law and combat impunity.

SERAP expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in public fund spending, particularly in constituency projects, and highlighted the negative impact of budget padding on poverty, underdevelopment, and access to public goods and services.

The organization called on lawmakers to ensure that funds allocated for constituency projects are not misappropriated or diverted for personal gain.

Senator Ningi’s disclosures are considered public interest disclosures that can enhance transparency and democratic accountability, SERAP argued, criticizing his suspension as retaliatory and underscoring his entitlement to raise concerns about budget padding.

Freedom of expression is a constitutional right, and whistleblowing plays a crucial role in addressing mismanagement of public funds, SERAP emphasized, citing Senator Ningi’s revelations about irregularities in the budget as an example.

The organization highlighted data from BudgIT, indicating indiscriminate insertion of projects in the 2024 budget, stressing the need for thorough investigation and accountability measures to address budget padding effectively.

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