Akpabio, Abass in trouble over plans to spend N110bn on bulletproof cars

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal proceedings against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, over their purported intention to allocate a staggering N110 billion for the acquisition of bulletproof cars. The move has ignited public outrage, given the dire socio-economic situation facing over 137 million impoverished Nigerians.

The lawsuit, bearing case number FHC/L/CS/1606/2023, was filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos. SERAP is seeking a court order, in the form of a mandamus, to compel Akpabio and Abbas to revise and reduce the N40 billion budget slated for the purchase of 465 luxury Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and bulletproof cars for legislative members and senior officials. The organization is also seeking an injunction that prevents the disbursement of these funds until a comprehensive socio-economic assessment is undertaken.

The controversial spending plans came to light after Akpabio disclosed that holiday allowances had been deposited into the bank accounts of senators. Each senator reportedly received no less than N2 million for holiday-related expenses. These revelations raised concerns about the legislators’ financial priorities amidst the backdrop of the staggering poverty rates affecting a significant portion of the population.

SERAP contends that the proposed allocation of N110 billion is a violation of constitutional and international human rights obligations. The organization argues that this expenditure disregards the fiduciary duty of public officials towards the welfare of the general citizenry. The suit maintains that diverting such substantial funds for luxury cars during a time of pressing socio-economic challenges reflects a breach of Section 57 (4) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007. This section emphasizes the prudent and judicious use of public funds.

At a time when 137 million Nigerians are grappling with extreme poverty, SERAP underscores the necessity of a thorough evaluation of the proposed spending’s socio-economic impact. The organization is calling for an adjustment to the Supplementary Appropriation Act 2022, which would reduce the National Assembly’s budget by N110 billion to align with current economic realities.

Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Blessing Ogwuche, legal representatives for SERAP, asserted, “The lawmakers’ plan to spend N110 billion raises concerns of apparent conflicts of interest and self-dealing, all while millions of Nigerians endure dire circumstances.” The lawsuit underscores that the budget allocation fails to prioritize the needs of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.

The proposed expenditure includes the purchase of 107 units of the 2023 Toyota Landcruiser model and 358 units of the 2023 Toyota Prado model for Senate and House of Representatives members. Notably, this allocation is separate from the budget already allocated to lawmakers in the 2023 National Assembly budget.