The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, are the targets of a lawsuit brought by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) over “the unlawful plan to spend N40 billion on 465 exotic and bulletproof cars for members and principal officials, and N70 billion as “palliatives” for new members.”

The lawsuit was filed shortly after Akpabio claimed that the National Assembly Clerk had transferred “holiday allowances” to “various senators’ bank accounts.”

Nigeria’s 137 million people live in abject poverty.

SERAP is requesting an order of mandamus in the case FHC/L/CS/1606/2023, which was filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, to direct and compel Mr. Akpabio and Mr. Abbas to review and cut the N40 billion budgeted for the purchase of 465 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and bulletproof cars for members and principal officials.

Additionally, the group is requesting a mandamus ruling that will require and compel Akpabio and Mr. Abbas to annul the Supplementary Appropriations Act 2022.

Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms. Blessing Ogwuche, SERAP’s attorneys, filed a lawsuit on behalf of the organization, which stated in part: “The proposal to spend N110 billion is a basic violation of constitutional and international human rights duties.

The Public Procurement Act, 2007, section 57(4), which states that “All persons in whose hands public funds may be entrusted for whatever purpose should bear in mind that its utilization should be Judicious,” is violated by the anticipated spending of N110 billion.

The court hearing for the lawsuit has not yet been scheduled.