SERAP Calls Out Senate And Reps Over Misappropriation Of Funds

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Speaker of the house of Assembly Femi Gbajabiamila and the Senate president Dr Ahmad Lawan, to urgently probe and refer to appropriate anti-corruption agencies allegations that N4.4bn of public money budgeted for the National Assembly is missing or stolen as reported by the Auditor-General.

The body made it known that the National Assembly must account for the funds, following the fact that the Nigerian legislative is meant to be a watchdog that protects the public interest and accountable as well.

Stating the exorbitant amounts spent misappropriated, the body said the National Assembly is to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. The body further made it known that the allegations against the National Assembly and House of Representatives should be addressed.

The letter sent yesterday, read in part: "By exercising strong and effective leadership in this matter, @nassnigeria can show Nigerians that the legislative body is a proper & accountable watchdog that represents & protects the public interest & can hold itself and FG to account.
— SERAP (@SERAPNigeria) January 31, 2021

The Auditor-General noted in his 2015 report that the National Assembly account was spent N8,800,000.00 as unauthorised overdraft. The body also spent N115,947,016.00 without any documents. N158,193,066.00 spent as cash advances to 17 staff b/w Jan-June 2015 is yet to be retired.
— SERAP (@SERAPNigeria) January 31, 2021

@HouseNGR also reportedly spent N624,377,503.30 to buy 48 Utility Vehicles. However, 14 vehicles were not supplied. The House also failed to make the 34 vehicles supplied available for verification. The House failed to retire N499,666,666.00 spent as cash advances to staff.”
— SERAP (@SERAPNigeria) January 31, 2021