SERAP Urges Senate President to Reject N15 Billion Residence Plan for VP Shettima Proposed by FCT Minister Wike

In a recent development, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called upon Senate President Godswill Akpabio to resist the alleged proposal by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to allocate N15 billion for the construction of a lavish residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Expressing their concerns, SERAP, in a letter dated December 2, urged Akpabio to swiftly dismiss the proposed plan, emphasizing that the Senate should exercise its authority and constitutional oversight roles. The group also urged the Senate to reject the N2.8 billion earmarked for FCTA publicity and other potentially extravagant expenditures outlined in the 2023 supplementary budget and the 2024 budget proposed by President Bola Tinubu.

Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of SERAP, conveyed these sentiments on Sunday, December 3. SERAP highlighted that approving the allocation of N15 billion for the vice president's residence would be a serious breach of public trust and the constitutional oath of office, particularly when the government is set to allocate 30% (N8.25 trillion) of the 2024 budget to debt service costs.

“The Senate has the constitutional duties to ensure that Mr. Wike’s proposed spending is entirely consistent and compatible with constitutional provisions, including his oath of office. All public officials remain subject to the rule of law,” the statement read.

SERAP emphasized that the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, holds a constitutional responsibility to address the country's debt crisis. This includes rejecting unnecessary and wasteful expenditures that cater to the personal comfort and lifestyles of public officials.

“The National Assembly cannot continue to fail to fulfill its oversight function. The Senate must assert and demonstrate its independence by checking and rejecting all wasteful and unnecessary spending by the executive.”