Again, the National Assembly has got a hit from a human rights body, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP for demanding a whopping N37 billion from the Federal government for the renovation of the NASS complex.
SERAP in a statement signed by its Deputy-Director, Kolawole Oluwadare in Lagos on Sunday has also urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and civil society groups to monitor the COVID 19 special funds to make sure it’s not mismanaged.
“This is to ensure that the funds are spent to support the poorest and most vulnerable people, such as pensioners, People Living With Disabilities (PWDs), and not diverted, stolen or mismanaged,” the group said.
The N37 billion, SERAP said should be shared to the 36 states in the country and FCT to help them contain the COVID 19 emergency.
Some states have been strained by finance and desperately need funds to stop the pandemic from spreading, health experts say.
The lawmakers had drawn the anger of prominent individuals and rights groups in the country after they demanded the sum, in January this year to repair the Assembly buildings.
The Ahmad Lawan –led NASS, has been trenchantly condemned by Nigerians for their insensitivity to the plight of the nation at this critical times of financial crisis.
The lawmakers, SERAP said now have a choice to continue to live in opulence or allow the funds to be released to Nigerians who desperately need it.
SERAP said, “Nigeria is at a crossroads and National Assembly leaders and members must now decide whether to continue to look after themselves and do little for the country’s poorest or make a commitment to redirect the N37 billion to help ameliorate the suffering caused by COVID-19 restrictions, SERAP added.
Going ahead to spend N37 billion to renovate the National Assembly complex even when COVID-19 is over would further undermine the social contract in Nigeria, and hurt the poorest and most vulnerable people across the 36 states and FCT.”
It said the funds would increase the financial capacity of government in containing the virus.
The body said “It would limit the ability of the authorities to provide much-needed benefits and support to these Nigerians, and undermine efforts to reduce the impact of the disease on the country.
It will improve the chances of the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people to live a life of dignity while obeying authorities’ directives to stay at home.
Without sufficient COVID-19 direct reliefs and monetary benefits to these Nigerians, many may be forced to turn to criminal activities as their only perceived options for surviving.”
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