SERAP to Akpabio, Abbas: "Refund N110bn spent on luxury cars and unlawful allowances now

"Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution requires the State to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power. Where a court finds evidence of self-dealing, conflict of interest, and unlawful e

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SERAP to Akpabio, Abbas: "Refund N110bn spent on luxury cars and unlawful allowances now
SERAP to Akpabio, Abbas: — Photo: Vanguard News

"Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution requires the State to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power. Where a court finds evidence of self-dealing, conflict of interest, and unlawful expenditure of public funds, public institutions are under a constitutional obligation to remedy the resulting harm."

"The constitutional principles of legality, accountability, and good governance bind all organs of government and public officials, including the National Assembly and its members."

"The judgment established that the schemes were implemented in breach of the Public Procurement Act, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, constitutional oaths of office, and the principles of transparency, accountability, and value for money."

"Justice Bogoro found that the expenditure was tainted by self-dealing, conflict of interest, and a failure to prioritise the national interest."

"The establishment of effective compliance mechanisms is essential to prevent a recurrence of unlawful expenditure and to ensure that constitutional and statutory safeguards are strictly complied with."

"Public hearings on the National Assembly's budget would enhance public participation, improve scrutiny of legislative expenditure, and ensure that the management of public resources is subject to open and meaningful oversight."

"The National Assembly cannot fully give effect to the spirit and purpose of the judgment while its members continue to retain benefits derived from conduct declared unlawful by the Court."

"The National Assembly's constitutional responsibility to safeguard public resources lies at the heart of our democratic system. Accountability is a foundational value of the Constitution, and the National Assembly has a duty to uphold the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and legality in its own conduct."

"What must be paramount in ensuring compliance with the judgment is the vindication of the rule of law. The effect of such vindication is the reversal of the consequences of unlawful conduct, including the return and restitution of public resources derived from the N110 billion schemes."

"The reimbursement of unlawfully obtained benefits would help to restore public trust, deter future abuses, protect the right to development, and ensure that public resources are used for the benefit of the Nigerian people rather than for private enrichment."

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