SERAP Takes Legal Action to stop National Assembly’s Purchase of 360 Multimillion Naira SUVs

SERAP Drags National Assembly to Court Over Purchase of 360 Multimillion Naira SUVs

Lagos, Nigeria – In a groundbreaking move, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action by applying to the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking to halt the purchase and delivery of 360 sports utility vehicles (SUVs) for members of the National Assembly. SERAP’s applications for interim and interlocutory injunctions come in response to reports that these luxury vehicles are set to cost taxpayers a staggering N57.6 billion, with each SUV priced at a minimum of N160 million.

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The deputy director of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, Kolawole Oluwadare, released a statement on Sunday confirming the organization’s legal actions.

In the applications filed last week, SERAP seeks an “order of interim injunction restraining the National Assembly from procuring, taking delivery, and distributing the SUVs to their members, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for an order of interlocutory injunction filed simultaneously in this suit.”

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SERAP’s legal action is not a standalone event but builds upon a suit filed in August with the number FHC/L/CS/1606/2023 before the Federal High Court, which challenges the legality of the National Assembly’s expenditure of billions of naira to acquire exotic and bulletproof cars for its members and principal officials.

Furthermore, SERAP has sent an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to use his influence to pressure the leadership of the House of Representatives to refrain from taking delivery of the 360 sports utility vehicles. SERAP contends that allowing the National Assembly to proceed with this purchase would prejudice the outcome of the pending court case and undermine the rule of law.

The open letter to President Tinubu highlights the importance of executive intervention to ensure that the court can uphold justice in the ongoing suit and applications for injunction. The move by SERAP underscores its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the proper use of public funds.

As this legal battle unfolds, it is expected to draw considerable attention and scrutiny regarding government spending and accountability in Nigeria.