The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has asked the Senate leadership to take some steps with regards the controversial budget padding within the next seven days or face court action.
In a statement SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare released, it urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to recall suspended Senator Abdul Ningi and involve the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the matter.
The group said failure to take its advice would have consequences.
It also paid tribute to Senator Ningi’s action saying, “What Senator Ningi has done is a positive act of good citizenship. No whistleblower should ever be penalised simply for making a public interest disclosure.”
The statement also read, “Referring the allegations to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would improve public trust in the ability of the leadership of the Senate to ensure probity and accountability in the budget process.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel you and the Senate to comply with our requests in the public interest.”
