The National Assembly has been getting knocks over its approval for a N70 billion allocation to cover what it described as the working conditions of new lawmakers.
Activists have vowed to seek judicial intervention over the matter.
Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, stated that none of the N70 billion intended to “support their working conditions” will be distributed to members of the National Assembly, Adding that the amount will be used to purchase furnishings and carry out repairs in lawmakers’ offices.
But this hasn’t stopped the uproar that has greeted the announcement.
It is believed that the lawmakers are acting in contempt of two subsisting court decisions.
In June. 2021, the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos ordered the Revenue mobilization, allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to fix the salaries and allowances of the 469 members of the National Assembly, to reflect the economic realities in the country.
The court also ruled that the National Assembly Service Commission has no power to determine the remuneration and allowances of lawmakers.
Justice Chuka Obiozor delivered the judgment in the consolidated suits brought by two lawyers,. Monday Ubani and John Nwokwu, as well as more than 1,500 concerned Nigerians through the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), BudgIT and Enough is Enough Nigeria
Femi Falana SAN had led the team of lawyers who secured that victory.
