Maduabuchi Idam, an Abuja-based activist lawyer, has maintained that Senate President Godswill Akpabio is not shielded by immunity from revealing the details of the “enjoyment allowance” disbursed to senators.
In December 2023, Akpabio informed senators about a token sent to their accounts for the holidays before adjourning plenary.
In response, Idam called on Akpabio to disclose the details of the money sent to senators as enjoyment allowance and subsequently took legal action against him for failing to do so within seven days.
Idam, citing the hardships faced by Nigerians due to scarce resources, emphasized that the disclosure was necessary.
He highlighted that Akpabio’s claim of immunity was invalid under the Freedom of Information Act.
Akpabio, in a counter-affidavit signed by his lawyer, Chinedu Iwoh, asserted that his senate immunity protected him from disclosing such details.
However, Idam reiterated that the Freedom of Information Act supersedes the senate’s immunity, requiring Akpabio to comply with the demands made in accordance with the Act.
In a statement to Journalists, Idam informed the public of the ongoing legal proceedings, expressing confidence in the court’s ability to deliver justice.
He also mentioned that the Leagues for Social Justice, a civil society group, had applied to join the suit in demanding the information from Akpabio.
Idam urged the public to remain committed and optimistic about achieving transparency and accountability in Nigeria.
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