An Abuja-based activist lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, has insisted that immunity does not shield President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio from disclosing the details of monies given to senators as enjoyment allowance.
In December 2023, Akpabio had informed Senators that a token was sent to them for the holidays before adjourning plenary.
“In order to enable all of us to enjoy our holidays, a token has been sent to our various accounts by the Clerk of the National Assembly,” Akpabio had said.
Displeased by this action, Idam had called on Akpabio to reveal the details of the money sent to the Senators as enjoyment allowance.
Idam had dragged Akpabio before a Federal High Court for failing to disclose the details within seven days.
The constitutional lawyer explained that his action was predicated on the fact that Nigerians are suffering and plagued with scarce resources.
Responding, Akpabio, in a counter-affidavit signed by his lawyer, Chinedu Iwoh said the senate immunity shield’s him from disclosing the details of the money.
However, Idam insisted that the Freedom of Information Act does not shield Akpabio from acceding to the demands made in accordance with the Act.
In a chat with the press, Idam said: “Following my commitment to always update the members of the general public on development in the above mentioned suit, I wish to inform you that the Senate President has through his counsel replied my action in the court by filing a counter affidavit wherein, in an attempt to escape explanation, he claimed amongst others that he enjoys immunity from answering the questions regarding the monies he disbursed to his colleagues as enjoyment allowance being the statement made on the floor of the house.
“While a reply shall be filed accordingly, in line with the laws, as we believe that the Senate’s immunity does not shield him from acceding to demands made in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act.
“Nevertheless, I wish also to inform you that Leagues for Social Justice, a civil society group, has filed an application to join the suit as a party, in demanding that the information should also be furnished to them as demanded.
“However, I have confidence that the court shall do justice to the matter. Therefore, I urge the general public to stay committed and keep faith as we struggle to achieve a corrupt-free Nigeria.”
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