SERAP drags Akpabio to court over budget padding – Newstrends
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SERAP drags Akpabio to court over budget padding

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Senator Ahmed Ningi, Senate President Godswill Akpabio

SERAP drags Akpabio to court over budget padding

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio over “the failure to refer the alleged N3.7 trillion budget padding to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution, and to recall Senator Abdul Ningi who blew the whistle on the allegations.”

Mr Akpabio is sued for himself and on behalf of all members of Nigeria’s Senate.

It would be recalled that whistleblower Ningi last month was suspended for three months over his allegations that the 2024 budget was padded by over N3 trillion and that the country is operating two budgets.

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/452/2024 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to refer the alleged N3.7 trillion budget padding to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution of suspected perpetrators.”

SERAP is also seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to immediately take steps to ensure the reinstatement of whistleblower Abdul Ningi who was suspended from the Senate over his allegations that the lawmakers padded the 2024 budget by irregularly inserting projects worth N3.7 trillion.”

SERAP is also seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to put in place transparency and accountability mechanisms to ensure that the trillions of Naira budgeted for constituency projects are not embezzled, misappropriated or diverted into private pockets.”

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In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “Granting this application would serve the public interest, encourage whistleblowers to speak up, improve public services, and ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.”

SERAP is arguing that, “Directing Mr Akpabio to refer these allegations to appropriate anticorruption agencies and to reinstate whistleblower Abdul Ningi would be entirely consistent and compatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international obligations.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “The allegations by Senator Ningi amount to public interest disclosures and can contribute to strengthening transparency and democratic accountability in the Senate in particular and the country as a whole.”

According to SERAP, “Suspension of Senator Ningi by the Senate followed a seriously flawed process and it amounts to retaliation.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “Senator Ningi’s status as a whistleblower is not diminished even if the perceived threat to the public interest has not materialised, since he would seem to have reasonable grounds to believe in the accuracy of the allegations of budget padding and corruption in the Senate.”

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Mrs Adelanke Aremo, read in part: “It is in the public interest and the interest of justice to grant this application. No whistleblower should ever be penalised simply for making a public interest disclosure.”

“Directing Mr Akpabio to refer the allegations to appropriate anticorruption agencies would help to address the lingering problem of budget padding and corruption in the implementation of constituency projects.”

“Directing Mr Akpabio to refer the allegations to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would also ensure probity and accountability in the budget process.”

“Investigating and prosecuting the allegations of budget padding and corruption would end the impunity of perpetrators. It would build trust in democratic institutions with the ultimate aim of strengthening the rule of law.”

“Years of allegations of budget padding and corruption in the implementation of constituency projects have contributed to widespread poverty, underdevelopment and lack of access to public goods and services.”

“Allegations of budget padding and corruption in the implementation of constituency projects have also continued to have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens in several communities and the public interest.”

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“Combating budget padding would improve access of Nigerians to basic public goods and services, and enhance the ability of ministries, departments and agencies to effectively and efficiently discharge their constitutional and statutory responsibilities.”

“Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”

“Section 16(2) of the Nigerian Constitution further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’”

“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on the National Assembly including the Senate to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.”

“Section 81 of the Nigerian Constitution and sections 13 and 18 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act constrain the ability of the National Assembly to unilaterally insert its own allocations in the budget without following the due process of law.”

“Nigeria has made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to ensure accountability in the management of public resources.”

“Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on the National Assembly including the Senate to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds.”

“Article 33 of the Convention requires government institutions including the Senate to ensure the protection of whistleblowers against any unjustified treatment. Granting this application would ensure that these commitments are fully upheld and respected.”

“Senator Ningi is a whistleblower, who is protected under article 33 of the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party. Senator Ningi is a whistleblower because of his public interest disclosures on alleged budget padding and corruption in the Senate in the context of carrying out his work as Senator.”

“According to our information, Senator Abdul Ningi, the former Chairperson of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), recently told BBC Hausa that the lawmakers sought the service of a private auditor and discovered irregularities in the budget.”

“Senator Ningi reportedly said, ‘For example, we had a budget of N28 trillion but after our thorough checks, we found out that it was a budget of N25 trillion. How and where did we get the additional N3 trillion from, what are we spending it for?.’”

“According to BudgIT, a total of 7,447 projects culminating in N2.24tn were indiscriminately inserted in the 2024 budget by the National Assembly. 281 projects worth N491bn, and 3,706 projects within the range of N100–500m, worth 759bn were inserted in the budget.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

SERAP drags Akpabio to court over budget padding

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Adebayo Ogunlesi, 2 other Nigerians make Forbes 50 wealthiest Black Americans list 2024

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Adebayo Ogunlesi

Adebayo Ogunlesi, 2 other Nigerians make Forbes 50 wealthiest Black Americans list 2024

Forbes has unveiled its 2024 ForbesBLK 50 list, celebrating the achievements of the wealthiest and most influential Black Americans.

Among the honorees are three Nigerians—Adebayo Ogunlesi, Tope Awotona, and Wemimo Abbey—whose groundbreaking contributions and entrepreneurial successes have earned them places on this prestigious list.

The ForbesBLK 50 is a reimagining of Forbes’ 2009 Wealthiest Black Americans list, which then featured figures like Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, and Magic Johnson.

While net worth remains a core metric, the new list also highlights innovation, societal impact, and leadership across diverse industries.

Adebayo Ogunlesi, with a net worth of $1.7 billion, stands out as a pioneering force in global infrastructure investment. As chairman and cofounder of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), Ogunlesi led the private equity firm through a transformative acquisition by BlackRock in 2024 for $12.5 billion.

  • Ogunlesi, a Harvard-educated lawyer and banker, previously spent over two decades at Credit Suisse before launching GIP in 2006.
  • His influence extends beyond business, as he has become a key figure in reshaping infrastructure investment on a global scale.

Also, Nigerian entrepreneur,Tope Awotona, the founder and CEO of Calendly, has redefined efficiency in scheduling and holds a net worth of $1.4 billion.

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  • Born in Lagos, Awotona moved to Atlanta as a teenager and pursued business and management information studies at the University of Georgia. After early entrepreneurial setbacks, he launched Calendly in 2013, driven by frustration with cumbersome meeting coordination. The platform, which raised $350 million in 2021, is now valued at $3 billion and serves millions of users worldwide.

Although not a ranking, Wemimo Abbey, at just 32, is the youngest Nigerian on the list and cofounder of Esusu, an African fintech company addressing financial inclusion. Esusu helps renters build credit by reporting rent payments to credit bureaus, a service utilized by more than 20,000 properties and benefiting 1.8 million Americans.

  • In 2022, Esusu achieved a $1 billion valuation following a $130 million funding round. Abbey, who grew up in Lagos, has a background in mergers and acquisitions consulting and a passion for leveraging technology to drive social impact.

These three Nigerians show innovation, resilience, and the drive to address pressing global challenges. Their inclusion on the ForbesBLK 50 list is a foretelling of their entrepreneurial vision and the increasing influence of Nigerians on the global stage.

The ForbesBLK 50 list, launched under ForbesBLK, aims to go beyond net worth to measure impact and influence within the Black community and beyond.

Adebayo Ogunlesi, 2 other Nigerians make Forbes 50 wealthiest Black Americans list 2024

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Northern youths say new tax regime bill designed to ruin region

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Northern youths say new tax regime bill designed to ruin region

Coalition of Northern Groups, Taraba State chapter, has expressed concerns that the proposed Tax Reform Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is cunningly designed with all premeditated intent and purposes to further develop the southern Nigeria at the expense of the north.

The northern youths, who lamented the economic hardship in the country, concluded that the effect bears more scars on the region than any other.

Aside from the new Tax Reform Bill, the group also condemned the federal government’s land-border closure, alleging that the ideas favour the South more than the North.

The group, in a statement signed by its coordinator, Comrade Idris Ayuba, made available to Vanguard Correspondent in Ilorin alleged that most difficulties the North faces are the repercussions of the decisions, citing the effect of Petroleum subsidy removal, land border closure and the new tax regime as few examples.

He noted in the statement that”reduction in the consumption of a capital commodity like petroleum occasioned by the subsidy removal is not a manifestation of a positive policy impact; it rather indicates reduced economic activities that force people out of energy consumption,”

On the land border closure, Idris said: “One of the primary concerns is the impact of this policy on the regional economy, which has been heavily reliant on cross-border trade with neighbouring countries. The closure has resulted in significant losses for traders and business owners in the region, exacerbating poverty and unemployment.

“The policy has given undue advantage to Southern Nigeria, for instance, the closure has led to an increase in demand for locally produced goods in Southern Nigeria, which has boosted the southern regional economy.

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“Additionally, the Southern region has benefited from the increased revenue generated from customs duties and taxes on imported goods.

“The closure has also created an imbalance in the distribution of economic opportunities, with Southern Nigeria having greater access to ports and international trade routes.

” This has resulted in a concentration of economic activity in the Southern region, further marginalizing Northern Nigeria,” Idris explained in the statement.

Northern youths say new tax regime bill designed to ruin region

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BREAKING: National Assembly extends lifespan of 2024 budget

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Senate President, Godswill Akpabio

BREAKING: National Assembly extends lifespan of 2024 budget

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has explained that the impressive performance of the 2024 national budget encouraged members of the National Assembly to extend the lifespan of the 2024 budget beyond December 31 this year.

Akpabio gave the explanation Wednesday in his welcome address during the presentation of the 2025 national budget to the joint session of the federal parliament.

He said, “We have noted the 2024 budget performances of 50% for capital expenditure and 48% for recurrent expenditure respectively.

“Given these great achievements, we have deemed it necessary to extend the life of the 2024 budget to June 30, 2025.

“The enabling law for this extension has already been put in place by this patriotic Assembly, as a testament to our appreciation for the great performance of the budget, ensuring we build upon your momentum.

“We commend your steadfast commitment to collaborate, cooperate and work with the National Assembly to achieve your grand vision for Nigeria.”

As the red chamber planned to start deliberations on the budget proposals, Akpabio warned heads of the various ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government to make themselves available for the budget defence.

He said: “Let me take this opportunity to stress the importance of the honourable ministers and heads of extra-ministerial departments being prepared to respond promptly to requests for them to come and defend their sectoral allocation in the exercise of our legislative oversight.

“We have observed concerning the behaviour from some ministers and heads of extra-ministerial departments, who sometimes neglect their duty to promptly submit to legislative oversight, sometimes even disregarding invitations from relevant committees of the legislature.

“It is imperative they understand that we will not condone such breaches of the constitution going forward.”

Akpabio noted that under the President Bola Tinubu administration, Nigerians has “witnessed remarkable strides in economic reforms, aimed at enhancing our nation’s stability and growth”.

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According to him, “The courageous decision to remove fuel subsidies, though challenging, showcases your (Tinubu’s) unwavering commitment to redirecting resources to critical sectors such as education and healthcare.

“Your collaboration with the Central Bank has cultivated an environment ripe for investment, and your focus on infrastructure development reflects a visionary commitment to improving the connectivity that fuels our economy.

“Furthermore, your initiatives to strengthen our security framework stand as a testament to your resolve in tackling the pressing challenges of our time.“

The chairman of the National Assembly commended Tinubu’s efforts in the era of security.

“We commend your tireless efforts, along with those of our brave men and women in uniform, for liberating our lands from the grip of terror.

“Today, no community is under the threat of terrorism, a monumental achievement we celebrate together.

“The reduction in kidnapping incidents and the neutralization of over 11,000 terrorists and insurgents is a testament to patriotism, strength and determination,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President said Tinubu’s dedication to fostering international relations paves the way for fruitful partnerships that will propel the nation forward.

He said: “We are witnessing a resurgence in foreign direct investment, made possible by your visionary directives that ease the visa processes for Nigerians travelling to other countries, and at the same time welcome investors and tourists alike to our country.

“Your innovative approaches in our embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have opened new doors for Nigeria and its people. For this we thank you.”

He said the introduction of social welfare programmes embodies the president’s unwavering belief in uplifting the living standards of our citizens.

“You remind us that our nation is not merely constructed of bricks and mortar, but of the resilience and determination of its people.

“Nigerians are taking notice of your remarkable achievements. You have doubled aggregate government revenues to over NGN 18.32 trillion, reduced debt servicing expenditures from 97% to 68%, fulfilled $7.5 billion in foreign exchange obligations, increased oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day, and launched the Compressed Natural Gas initiative.

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“Your administration has processed over N45.6 billion for student payments, signed the National Minimum Wage Law, and raised the national minimum wage to N70,000 a month, all while providing over N570 billion in financial support to the 36 states,” Akpabio said.

He commended the groundbreaking tax reform initiative including the four tax reform bills, namely the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024.

He said the tax reform bills represented a monumental shift in the country’s fiscal landscape and that its critics haven’t read the proposed legislations.

The Senate President said: “It is disheartening that those who have not taken the time to understand these bills are the loudest critics.

“I urge all Nigerians, especially those in public office, to engage with these vital reforms thoughtfully.

“This initiative marks the first comprehensive tax reform since Nigeria’s independence, presenting a transformative opportunity for rejuvenating small and medium enterprises and enhancing the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.

“These reforms will not only improve Nigeria’s revenue profile but also create a more conducive and internationally competitive business environment, transforming our tax system to support sustainable development.”

Akpabio said the infrastructure renaissance has paved the way for many roads, including the coastal road and crucial arteries in the Abuja capital city and other parts of the country.

“These developments are not merely about concrete and asphalt; they represent the lifeblood of our economy, connecting our people and fostering growth,” he added.

He urged Nigerians to bear with the president whose economic reforms had imposed hardship on Nigerians but noted that: “We are light-years away from where we began, though some rivers remain to be crossed.

“The pains we feel are not merely the pains of hardship; they are the pains of childbirth. When that season arrives in Nigeria, when this administration births that season, we will rejoice for the struggles endured.

“For now, I ask for your patience and urge all Nigerians to cooperate with the president and maintain faith in his vision.

“Mr. President, while you cannot be everywhere, you have eyes everywhere. We, the distinguished senators and honourable members of the House of Representatives, are your eyes in our constituencies and every corner of Nigeria.

“When our constituents struggle to afford rice, they come to us. When their shoes pinch, they seek our assistance. When the economic alarm sounds, they turn to us.

“Therefore, we are committed to ensuring that you touch the hearts and pulse of Nigerians through these appropriation bills resonating with the sounds of hope and signalling the dawn of Nigeria’s economic rebirth,” he added.

Akpabio ended his speech by leading the members of the National Assembly to sing for the president as they all chorused, “On your mandate we shall stand” to the admiration of the legislatures and the guests.

 

BREAKING: National Assembly extends lifespan of 2024 budget

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