SERAP’s Urgent Court Application

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken swift legal action by filing an urgent application for a court injunction.

This action is aimed at preventing the federal government from receiving a consignment of 465 exotic and bulletproof vehicles designated for members and principal officials of the National Assembly.

Context of the Urgent Application

This move by SERAP follows a recent confirmation made by Hon. Akin Rotimi, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs.

Rotimi announced that the government, led by President Bola Tinubu, intends to distribute Toyota Prado SUVs, each valued at N130 million, to lawmakers.

Justification for Car Distribution

According to Rotimi, it is a long-standing practice of the National Assembly to procure utility vehicles for its members.

He emphasized that these vehicles serve as essential tools for their oversight functions and responsibilities within the standing committees.

He further clarified that the cars are not intended as status symbols but as work tools to enhance representation, facilitate constituency outreach, and support the lawmakers’ oversight functions.

SERAP’s Response

In response to this development, SERAP made a public announcement via social media, specifically on its X page (formerly Twitter).

The civil rights group revealed its intent to seek an urgent court injunction to halt the delivery of these vehicles.

SERAP’s statement emphasized the urgency and the objective to prevent the National Assembly from taking delivery of the 465 exotic and bulletproof cars, collectively valued at N40 billion.

This legal action will remain in effect until the determination of the lawsuit concerning this matter.

SERAP’s proactive legal maneuver is a response to the controversial distribution of luxury vehicles to lawmakers, with the aim of ensuring transparency,

accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in government proceedings.