More troubles for Sen. Akpabio over ‘holiday allowances’ comment

By Nimot Sulaimon

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has confirmed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio will be sued over his “holiday allowances” instruction to the Clerk of the National Assembly for senators.

The legal threat by SERAP is an addition to the criticisms the senate president has been subjected to since he made the comments.

According to SERAP, Akpabio made such comment when nearly 70% of Nigerians are facing serious economic hardships.

“We’re suing Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the alleged payments of “holiday allowances” by the Clerk of the National Assembly into the “various accounts” of senators while some 137 million poor Nigerians face severe economic hardship,” SERAP stated on Tuesday.

Akpabio’s blunder sparked outrage across the country, raising concerns about the authenticity and timeliness of such money transfers.

Critics contend that while a major percentage of the country’s population is experiencing economic difficulties, such allowances appear both unreasonable and callous.

Although the particular charges and petitioners in the lawsuit have yet to be revealed, the action reflects increased stress and scrutiny over the handling of public funds, particularly in light of the current economic context.

The Senate President has yet to issue an official statement regarding the allegations and impending legal action.

Meanwhile, stakeholders across the country are eagerly awaiting further developments, with many demanding transparency, accountability, and prudent use of public funds in these trying times.