Court Dismisses SERAP’s Suit challenging National Assembly Budget
Oladipupo Olamiposi
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Court Dismisses SERAP’s Suit challenging National Assembly Budget

Oladipupo Olamiposi
@olamiposioladipupo247606

3 hours ago

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, challenging the powers of the National Assembly to amend its budget in the 2024 Appropriation Act.

The judge upheld the argument of representative of the Senate President, Sheriff Adesanya, who argued that the interest of the group and that of the 20 concerned citizens it represented was no greater than that of the general public.

Justice James Omotosho ruled, among others, that the group lacked the jurisdiction to institute the suit, agreeing with Adesanya that the plaintiff’s claims were without merit.

Omotosho subsequently dismissed the case in its entirety.

SERAP had contended that the National Assembly’s increase of its budget allocation from 197 billion naira to 344 billion naira contravened Section 81 of the Constitution, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, and democratic principles, particularly the separation of powers.

The organization sought a declaration that the budgetary increase was unconstitutional and requested orders compelling the National Assembly to adhere to constitutional procedures by re-presenting any amended appropriation bills to the President for approval before enactment.

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