“Lawmakers’ vehicles are not symbols of extravagance” – Group defends NASS over official vehicles

The Advocates of Social Justice for All (ASJA), a pro-democracy organisation, has asked the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and other critics of the National Assembly to stop what it described as attacks on the legislature over the controversial N110 billion spent on official vehicles and support allowances for federal lawmakers.

The intervention follows a recent judgment by a Federal High Court in Lagos which declared unlawful the expenditure of N110 billion appropriated in the 2022 supplementary budget for the procurement of official vehicles and support allowances for members of the 10th national assembly.

Justice Yellim Bogoro ruled that the N40 billion used to procure 360 sports utility vehicles (SUVs) for members of the house of representatives and 109 SUVs for senators, as well as N70 billion spent on support allowances, did not comply with procurement laws.

The judge also directed Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, to ensure that future procurements and expenditures comply with due process requirements and the principles of transparency, accountability and value for money.

Following the judgment, SERAP called on members of the National Assembly to refund the N110 billion to the federal government.

In a statement issued on Monday, ASJA questioned the judgment, arguing that it raises constitutional issues regarding the operational autonomy of the legislature.

The statement whcih was signed by Torkuma Asongo, executive director of the organisation, noted that the National Assembly, as an independent arm of government, possesses the constitutional authority to make budgetary provisions necessary for the discharge of its legislative responsibilities.

The organisation argued that the procurement of official vehicles for lawmakers should not be viewed as an act of extravagance but as a necessity for legislative duties.

“The National Assembly remains one of the critical institutions of democracy, and its Members require adequate operational support to effectively discharge their constitutional mandate. Official vehicles for lawmakers should be regarded as essential tools for legislative work rather than luxury items,” the group stated.

ASJA criticised SERAP’s call for a refund of the funds, describing the demand as premature and potentially capable of generating unnecessary institutional tension.

The organisation said concerned parties should allow the judicial process to run its full course, including any appellate proceedings.

“The principle of separation of powers is fundamental to constitutional democracy. While accountability and transparency remain essential, care must be taken to ensure that the constitutional independence of the legislature is not eroded through undue interference or public sensationalism,” the group stated.

ASJA urged civil society organisations and other stakeholders to approach issues concerning the national assembly with objectivity and restraint.

The organisation warned that sustained efforts to delegitimise parliament could weaken democratic institutions and diminish public confidence in governance.

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