By Milcah Tanimu

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to reject the plan by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to spend N15 billion for the construction of a residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima. In a letter, SERAP emphasized the breach of constitutional and anticorruption obligations in the proposed spending, urging the Senate to assert its authority and reject such allocations. The organization also highlighted concerns about Nigeria’s growing debt crisis and the need for prudent financial management.

1. SERAP’s Appeal to Senate President: SERAP urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to reject the proposed N15 billion expenditure on the construction of a residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.

2. Constitutional Oversight: The organization called on the Senate to assert its authority and exercise constitutional oversight, rejecting wasteful and unnecessary spending, including the N2.8 billion proposed for publicity in the 2023 supplementary budget and the 2024 budget presented by President Bola Tinubu.

3. Breach of Constitution and International Obligations: SERAP emphasized that the plan to spend N15 billion on a residence is a fundamental breach of the Nigerian Constitution and international anticorruption and human rights obligations.

4. National Assembly’s Responsibilities: SERAP highlighted the constitutional duties of the National Assembly, including the Senate, to ensure that proposed spending aligns with constitutional provisions and to address the country’s debt crisis.

5. Debt Crisis Concerns: The organization expressed concerns about Nigeria’s debt crisis, citing the planned allocation of 30% of the 2024 budget (N8.25 trillion) to debt service costs and a proposed borrowing of N7.8 trillion to fund the budget.

6. Legal Action Warning: SERAP warned that if the Senate fails to stop wasteful spending and government borrowing, the organization may consider legal action to compel the National Assembly to fulfill its constitutional oversight roles.

7. Previous Corruption Allegations: SERAP urged the Senate President to refer allegations of corruption in the spending of a previously approved N7 billion for the construction of a new residence for the vice president to relevant anti-corruption agencies.

8. Efficient Use of Public Funds:The organization suggested that cutting the N15 billion expenditure from the FCTA budget would promote efficient, honest, and legal spending of public money, especially considering Nigeria’s economic challenges.

9. Supplementary Budget Details: The proposed plan to spend N15 billion on the vice president’s residence is part of the N67 billion FCT supplementary budget transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.

10.Concerns About Other Expenditures: SERAP pointed out additional allocations for official residences, car purchases, and other expenditures, emphasizing the need for responsible financial management and adherence to constitutional obligations.