Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas over “the failure to disclose, clarify and explain the details of N344.85 billion National Assembly budget, and the rationale for several budget items, such as the N6 billion budgeted for two car parks.”
Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas are sued for themselves and on behalf of all members of the National Assembly.
In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/178/2024 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to disclose, clarify and explain details of the N344.85 billion National Assembly budget in the Appropriation Act 2024.”
SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to disclose, clarify and explain the details of the N8.5 billion budgeted for ‘National Assembly liabilities’ in the Appropriation Act 2024 and the nature of any such liabilities and how and why they have been incurred.”
SERAP is also seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to disclose, clarify and explain details of the proposed spending of the N3 billion for the ‘Senate Car Park’ and N3 billion for the House of Representatives Car Park in the Appropriation Act 2024.”
In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “Details of spending of public funds by the National Assembly have been mostly shrouded in secrecy. Nigerians have the right to know the details of the budget by the lawmakers, and the rationale for the budget.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “Disclosing, clarifying and explaining the details of the proposed spending of the National Assembly budget would allow Nigerians to scrutinise it, and to monitor the spending of the budget to ensure that the money is not mismanaged, diverted or stolen.”
According to SERAP, “Opacity in the spending of the N344.85 billion National Assembly budget would have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens and the public interest.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “The National Assembly ought to be more responsible to the public interest and more responsive to it. The National Assembly has a constitutional responsibility to combat waste and abuse in its own spending if it is to effectively exercise its oversight functions and hold the government to account.”
SERAP said, “Transparency and accountability in public administration is an essential element of democracy. Transparency in the spending of the National Assembly budget would give the public a tool to hold the lawmakers accountable. It would protect Nigerians from any potential abuses of governmental or legislative power that may exist.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Andrew Nwankwo, read in part: “It is in the public interest and the interest of justice to grant this application. Nigerians are entitled to their constitutionally and internationally recognized human right to information.”
“The public interest in obtaining the information sought outweighs any other interests. The oversight afforded by public access to such details would serve as an important check on the activities of the lawmakers, and help to prevent abuses of the public trust.”
“Disclosing, clarifying and explaining details of the spending of the National Assembly budget would improve public trust, and allow Nigerians to track and monitor the spending, and to assess if the items on the budget are justified, as well as to hold lawmakers to account in cases of mismanagement and corruption.”
“Disclosing, clarifying and explaining the details of the proposed spending of the N344.85 billion National Assembly budget would also ensure that lawmakers are answerable to the people for the performance of their duties.”
“The effective operation of representative democracy depends on the people being able to scrutinise, discuss and contribute to government decision making, including on the spending of the National Assembly budget.”
“The Nigerian Constitution, 1999 [as amended], Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their lawmakers’ activities and spending.”
“By the combined reading of the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the Freedom of Information Act, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, there are transparency obligations imposed on the National Assembly to disclose, explain and clarify the rationale for several items in the budget.”
“Nigerians have a right to scrutinize how their lawmakers spend their tax money and commonwealth, especially given the precarious economic realities in the country and the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy on vulnerable Nigerians.”
“The National Assembly increased its own allocation in the 2024 budget to N344.48bn. The new budgetary allocation to the National Assembly is over 70 percent of the N197bn proposed by President Bola Tinubu for the lawmakers in the budget proposal submitted to the National Assembly.”
“The N344.48bn National Assembly budget, which is an increase of about N147bn, is reportedly the highest-ever budgetary allocation to the National Assembly.”
“The items contained in the N344.48bn National Assembly budget include: National Assembly Office – Senate – N49.1bn; House of Representatives – N78.6bn; National Assembly Service Commission – N12.3bn; Legislative Aides – N20.3bn; NILDS – N9.09bn; Service-wide votes – N15.1bn; Senate Appropriation Committee– N200m.”
“Other budget items include: House Appropriation Committee – N200 million; Public Account committees of Senate and House – N280.7 million National Assembly Library Take Off Grant – N12.1 billion; National Assembly building (ongoing) – N4.2 billion; and National Assembly Liabilities – N8.5 billion.”
“Other items include: National Assembly E-Library – N225 million; Constitution Review – N1 billion; and Completion of NILDS HQ – N4.5 billion; Construction of NASC Building – N10 billion; Office of Clerks and Permanent Secretaries – N1.2 billion; and Alternative Power System – N4 billion.”
“Other items in the National Assembly budget include: National Assembly Zonal Offices – N3bn; Senate Car Park – N3 billion; House of Representatives Car Park -N3 billion; and Furnishing of committee rooms (Senate) -N2.7 billion; Furnishing of committee rooms (House) – N3 billion; Design, Construction, Furnishing and Equipping of National Assembly Ultramodern Printing Press – N3 billion.”
“There are also other items in the budget: Design, Construction, Furnishing and Equipping of the National Assembly Budget and Research Office (NABRO) – N4 billion; National Assembly Hospital Project – N15 billion.”
“Other items are: National Assembly Recreation Centre – N4 billion; Procurement of Books for the National Assembly Library – N3 billion; and National Assembly Pension Board (Take-Off Grant) – N2.5 billion.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
11/2/2024
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
NEWS RELEASE:
AFRIMA, PMAN, MPAN, RELPI, AMAMN, Others Hold 2nd Emergency Summit on The Nigerian Music Industry Monday, Feb 12
LAGOS, Nigeria, 11 February 2024– In line with its commitment to finding further lasting solutions to critical challenges in the music industry, all is set as the All Africa Music Awards- AFRIMA Music Business Summit in partnership with the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Record Label Proprietors Initiative (RELPI), Association of Music Artist Managers of Nigeria (AMAMN) and Music Publishers Association of Nigeria (MPAN) holds the 2nd emergency summit of stakeholders on Monday, February 12, 2024.
The 2nd summit is geared towards refining and consolidating the policy recommendations by the designated 4-man legal team.
The summit, which focuses on the rebirth of the music, entertainment, arts, culture, and hospitality sector/industry in Nigeria commences at 6:00 PM (Nigerian time) and takes place virtually via Zoom.
According to the President of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, Mike Dada, Nigerian Music industry stakeholders expected to be in attendance include musicians/artistes, record labels, A&R, producers, promoters, artiste’s managers, brands, songwriters, DJs & video vixens, video directors, equipment production and rental companies, publishing companies, streaming service companies, entertainment lawyers, royalty companies, choreographers/dancers, entertainment/music journalists and media, culture and music enthusiast, other supporting professionals: cameramen, editors, make-up, hairstylist, costumiers, among others.
Dada, who described the first emergency summit as very symbolic and fruitful, expressed optimism that the outcome of the meeting would soon manifest and would be appreciated by entertainment stakeholders not only in Nigeria but in other African countries and those in the diaspora.
PMAN President, Pretty Okafor said the music stakeholders meeting is necessary as it is aimed at encouraging continuous education and engagement of sectoral bodies on roles, responsibilities, obligations, and benefits to the internal and external players in the music industry.
“It is very necessary for all players within the music ecosystem, especially the artistes to join relevant organisations to further guarantee and protect them and their crafts,” Okafor stated.
Also, Chinedu Chukwuji, who leads Record Label Proprietors Initiative (RELPI)’s efforts in ensuring there’s a conducive environment for the recording industry in Nigeria to thrive said the Summit would further provide a collective voice for the Nigerian recording industry on issues of policy, protection and enforcement of the intellectual property rights of its members, and engagement with commercial music users, regulators, government, trade associations, etc. in furthering the interests of its members.
The first Emergency Meeting of the Nigerian Music Industry with the theme, ‘Identification of Internal and External Regulatory Mechanisms to Smoothen the Working Relationship among Various Stakeholders and Subgroups in the Music Industry’ was held on the 1st of October 2023.
Among far-reaching resolutions and action plans adopted at the Summit included participants agreeing that while legislation is the cornerstone upon which a successful and sustainable music industry is built, there is a need for well-crafted laws and regulations that can provide a stable framework for the industry, protect the rights of artistes, creators, record labels and promote investment, and foster a vibrant music ecosystem.
Participants also called for a legal framework that would institutionalize minimum entry requirements for players in the industry, including musicians and record labels to discourage quackery, mediocrity, and substandardization in the music ecosystem.
At the first Summit, over 70 industry players who were in attendance included veteran music producer and CEO Kennis Communications, Dr Kenny Ogungbe, AFRIMA President, Mike Dada, Sunny Neji, Pretty Okafor (PMAN President), Olumide Mustapha (Chairman, MPAN), Sijuade Adedokun, (President AMAMN), Chinedu Chukwuji, (National Coordinator, RELPI), Mayo Ayilaran, (DG/CEO, MCSN), foremost female drummer, Ara Olamuyiwa, Laolu Akins, Joel Ajayi, Yinka Obebe, Justin Ige, Kesse Jabari, Louis Udoh, Tayo Eleshin, Precious Obeahon among others.
According to the organisers, the 2nd emergency summit of the stakeholders is strictly by invitation.
AFRIMA (All Africa Music Awards) is the Pinnacle of African Music globally.
Signed:
Adejuwon Osunnuyi
AFRIMA Communications Manager
Rivers State House of Reps Caucus Grieves over Death of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, his dear Wife, and only Son
The State has been thrown into mourning and utter despair.
Our hearts are heavy with sorrow as we extend our deepest condolences to the Wigwe’s family and loved ones during this distressing time.
Dr. Herbert Wigwe played a prominent role in the financial banking community, Education and Welfarism.
His leadership at Access Holdings Plc has left an indelible mark on the industry.
As we mourn the loss of our son; a nationalist, lover of Rivers State, and visionary and compassionate leader, we take solace in the very remarkable impact he made in the financial sector, education, and particularly his philanthropic lifestyle and belief that the well-being of a people is the only thing that has intrinsic value.
The Caucus is calling on the United States of America and its relevant agencies, the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and all relevant institutions and agencies of government to thoroughly investigate the cause of this ill-fated helicopter crash in California and make public its findings.
We fervently hope that the authorities will successfully locate and provide the necessary support to the families of the victims of this devastating incident.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wigwe family and all those who have been impacted by this tragic event.
Signed:
Rt. Hon. Dunamenne Dekor Robinson
Leader,
Rivers State Caucus; House of Representatives.
PRESS RELEASE
AFCON: SANWO-OLU HAILS SUPER EAGLES PERFORMANCE
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has hailed Nigeria’s team, Super Eagles for their performance at the just concluded 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
Sanwo-Olu said the Super Eagles despite losing at the final of the AFCON to the host nation, Cote d’Ivoire, deserved commendation for their superb performance in the competition.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile on Monday, commended the players, the coaching crew and the entire management of the team for making Nigeria proud at the competition by reaching the final against all odds.
He said the Super Eagles fought gallantly to advance to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations by defeating many countries, noting that the participation of the team in the final on Sunday is a testament to the determination, resilience and commitment of the Super Eagles to the competition.
The Governor urged Nigerians who have looked forward to Nigeria winning the AFCON Cup for the fourth time not to be discouraged by the outcome of the match against Côte d’Ivoire.
He appealed to Lagos residents and Nigerians, particularly lovers of football, not to allow the defeat of the Super Eagles at the AFCON final to affect their love for the national team.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who provided venues for Lagos residents to watch the AFCON matches at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena and 26 other centres across the State, urged Nigerians to continue to support national teams in future competitions.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
12 FEBRUARY 2024