Akpabio’s Gaff: SERAP Sues Senate President Over ‘Holiday Allowances’ Statement

Related stories

[VIDEO]: Battle Rages As Amaechi Storms Rivers, Pulls Unprecedented Crowd for ADC

By Abiola Olawale A political storm is brewing in Rivers...

Oil Price Swings Challenge Big Oil Trading Profits

While analysts and investors largely expect to see lower...

Oba Otudeko: EFCC Drops ₦12.3 Billion Fraud Case After FirstHoldco Shares Sale

By Abiola Olawale The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)...

A lawsuit will shortly be initiated against the President of the 10th Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio over the remarks he made during the plenary concerning disbursement of “holiday allowances” to senators by the Clerk of the National Assembly.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), on Thursday, said it will take this course as part of the body’s role in holding democratic institutions to account.

In a brief statement via its official X handle, SERAP announced that it was suing the Senate President who had made the gaffe announcement on Monday during plenary.

On SERAP’s words: “We’re suing the Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the alleged payments of “holiday allowances” by the Clerk of the National Assembly into the “various accounts” of senators while some 137 million poor Nigerians face severe economic hardship.”

Akpabio’s gaffe spawned controversy across the nation, raising questions about the legitimacy and timing of such money transfers. Critics argue that when a significant portion of the nation’s population is facing economic hardship, such allowances seem both unjust and inconsiderate.

Details of the lawsuit, including the petitioners and the specific charges, are yet to be disclosed. However, the move signifies rising tension and scrutiny over the management of public funds, especially in the light of the present economic climate.

It would be recalled that Akpabio was seen in a video clip making the blunder which went viral on social media.

Akpabio, who forgot that the proceeding was being streamed live, began to address his colleagues before adjournment motion was moved at the end of the Senate’s ministerial screening.

“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,” he said.

The senate president was immediately informed by his colleagues that he was speaking on live television.

Upon realising the seriousness of his remarks, he quickly announced its withdrawal.

“I withdraw that statement,” he said.

“In order to allow you to enjoy your holiday, the senate president has sent prayers to your mailboxes to assist you to go on a safe journey and return,” Mr Akpabio rephrased the comment, apparently to correct what was considered an embarrassment.

Hamilton Nwosa
Hamilton Nwosa
Hamilton Nwosa is an experienced, and committed communication, business, administrative, data and research specialist . His deep knowledge of the intersection between communication, business, data, and journalism are quite profound. His passion for professional excellence remains the guiding principle of his work, and in the course of his career spanning sectors such as administration, tourism, business management, communication and journalism, Hamilton has won key awards. He is a delightful writer, researcher and data analyst. He loves team-work, problem-solving, organizational management, communication strategy, and enjoys travelling. He can be reached at: hamilton_68@yahoo.com

Subscribe

- Never miss a story with notifications

- Gain full access to our premium content

- Browse free from up to 5 devices at once

Latest stories

NDN
Latest News
[VIDEO]: Battle Rages As Amaechi Storms Rivers, Pulls Unprecedented Crowd for ADCOil Price Swings Challenge Big Oil Trading ProfitsOba Otudeko: EFCC Drops ₦12.3 Billion Fraud Case After FirstHoldco Shares SaleReconsider Travel to Nigeria, Somalia, Libya, Chad, DRC, 7 Others, US Tells Citizens in Latest Travel AdvisoryDrama as Trump Accuses Obama, Biden, Others of Alleged Treason, Vows To Go After themSuper Falcons dethrone South Africa, romp into WAFCON final in MoroccoBig Oil’s Power Couple Heads to GuyanaThe U.S. Has Only The 10th Most Powerful Passport: Here’s What That Means2027: PDP Eyeing Jonathan, Others for Presidential Race, Party Official Reveals$24 Billion Loan: Senate Approves Tinubu's Request, Loan StrategyAlleged N80.2bn Fraud: Court Throws Out Yahaya Bello's Travel Request[VIDEO] Natasha vs Akpabio: Tension as Natasha Denied Access To National Assembly Complex2027: Drama as Davido's Uncle, Gov Adeleke, Osun PDP Endorse TinubuDetails as NNPC Remits N6.69 trn to Federation Account in First Half of 2025Just In! CBN Retains Interest Rate at 27.5% for Third Time in 2025
X whatsapp