N110bn SUVs Procurement: Group Calls for Respect for Due Process and Separation of Powers in National Assembly Debate

N110bn SUVs Procurement: Group Calls for Respect for Due Process and Separation of Powers in National Assembly Debate

A pro-democracy organisation, the Advocates of Social Justice for All (ASJA), has urged stakeholders involved in the ongoing debate over the N110 billion reportedly spent on official vehicles and support allowances for members of the National Assembly to approach the matter with restraint and respect for constitutional processes.

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos recently ruled that the sum of N40 billion used to procure 360 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for members of the House of Representatives and 109 SUVs for members of the Senate, alongside N70 billion allocated as support allowances for newly inaugurated members of the 10th National Assembly, did not comply with applicable procurement requirements.

Justice Yellim Bogoro declared the expenditure unlawful and directed the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure that future procurement and expenditure processes comply with due process principles, including transparency, accountability, and value for money.

Following the judgment, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), which instituted the suit, called for the refund of the N110 billion to the Federal Government.

Reacting to the development, ASJA, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Torkuma Asongo, noted that the judgment raises important constitutional questions regarding the operational autonomy of the legislature.

The group stated that the National Assembly, as an independent arm of government, is constitutionally empowered to make budgetary provisions required for the discharge of its legislative responsibilities.

According to ASJA, the procurement of official vehicles for lawmakers should be viewed within the context of facilitating legislative duties such as oversight functions, constituency engagements, committee work, and other official assignments.

"The National Assembly remains a critical institution in Nigeria's democratic system, and its members require adequate resources to carry out their constitutional responsibilities effectively," the statement said.

The organisation also commented on calls for the immediate refund of the funds, suggesting that all parties should allow the legal process to take its course, including any possible appeals arising from the judgment.

ASJA further emphasised the importance of the constitutional principle of separation of powers, noting that while transparency and accountability are essential in public administration, the independence of democratic institutions should also be respected.

"The principle of separation of powers remains central to constitutional democracy. Efforts to promote accountability should be pursued in a manner that preserves institutional balance and respect for constitutional roles," the group stated.

The organisation encouraged civil society groups, public commentators, and other stakeholders to engage constructively on issues concerning the National Assembly, stressing the importance of strengthening democratic institutions and maintaining public confidence in governance.

ASJA reaffirmed the need for continued support for democratic processes and institutions, describing them as essential to Nigeria's democratic development.