News From Nigeria
President General of Okpe Union (Worldwide), Prof. Igho Natufe, has urged the Delta State Governor, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori to uplift Okpe Nation and recognize Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality; just as his predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa did for his Ika and Ndokwa people.
‘’It is gratifying to have one of your own as the Governor of any state, especially for us in Okpe Nation. We are elated; and pray for his success. Fundamentally, we hope that he will uplift Okpe Nation and recognize Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality; just as his predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa did for his Ika and Ndokwa people. By doing this, Okpe Nation will become an equal partner with other ethnic nationalities in Delta State to benefit from the Governor’s MORE/RENEWED HOPE agenda. A recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality will allow us to be included as a direct participant and stakeholder in DESOPADEC’’
The illustrious son of Okpe Kingdom in Delta State, Nigerian-born Sovietologist, alumnus of the Peoples Friendship University, specialist in International Relations and Soviet/Russian Foreign Policy also echoed the place of democratic tenets in Okpe Kingdom.
‘’We firmly believe that the observance of democratic tenets is fundamental for the growth and development of any system, whether monarchical or otherwise. Our position that Okpe Kingdom is not an absolute monarchy derives from the founding principles of the Okpe Kingdom by the four princely brothers – Orhue, Orhorho, Evbreke, and Esezi. Even though they were the great grandchildren of Oba Ozolua of Benin Kingdom (reign: 1481 – 1504), they established a democratic principle of electing an Orodje of Okpe Kingdom.
The former Professor of Political Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana (1978-1980), the University of Benin, Benin-City (1980-1989), and Senior Advisor to the Government of Canada (1970-1978, 1989-2011), spoke in Lagos.
He said the choice of the first Orodje of Okpe Kingdom was a marked deviation from the Benin tradition where the first son is crown king.
‘’In choosing the first Orodje of Okpe, the four Brothers settled on the youngest via a unique democratic formula. The eldest, Prince Orhue was too old and proposed that the youngest, Esezi ascend the Throne. This was because the two middle brothers, Orhorho and Evbreke were too quarrelsome. In a unique display of a novel democratic practice, the brothers decided to crown their youngest brother, who ascended the Throne as Esezi I, the first Orodje of Okpe Kingdom. It was a democratic experiment in contradiction to the absolute monarchical system of the Benin Kingdom. The four princely Brothers all agreed that the Orodjeship would rotate among the four Ruling Houses. The election of an Orodje is undertaken in two stages. Firstly, delegates from the particular Ruling House whose turn it is to produce an Orodje will vote for their candidates. The second stage is at the Udogun Okpe (Okpe Traditional Council) to ratify the election. On the other hand, it is incongruous to have an “absolute monarchy” in a democratic republican polity’’
The Professor of International Relations at the Institute of Africa, Russian Academy of Sciences (2013-2015 and 2018-2025), Director, Ukraine-Africa Centre, Institute of World History, said it was contradictory for a monarchy to coexist with a republican system in the bowels of the same polity.
‘’This contradiction is exacerbated when a monarch attempts to rule a polity in which he possesses no defined constitutional authority to rule. When Nigeria became a Republic on October 1, 1963 it retained a House of Chiefs in each of the then four federating regions, in an attempt to replicate the British House of Lords, as the upper house in each of the regions. This gave the chiefs, who were traditional rulers in their respective domains, a constitutional role as parliamentarians. Thus, they saw themselves as both parliamentarians in the House of Chiefs and as monarchs in their respective kingdoms. This admixture was a conceptual blunder infused into the political system by the Nigerian political leaders in 1963. This blunder has been aggravated by the continuous failures of succeeding political leaders to resolve the contradiction resolutely by deciding on this crucial issue: Remain a Federal Republic of Nigeria and abolish traditional rulership or declare the country a United Kingdoms of Nigeria. In the former, traditional rulers will be extinguished as their existence contravenes the dictat of a Republic, while the latter recognizes their constitutional role as heads of states of their respective kingdoms’’.
Even as a head of state of a given kingdom, if we were in a United Kingdom of Nigeria, the role of a Monarch, like the Orodje of Okpe, according to Natufe will be defined by whether the system is a constitutional monarchy (like the United Kingdom) or an absolute monarchy (like Saudi Arabia).
‘’If Okpe Nation were a constitutional monarchy the Orodje would reign but cannot rule. Conversely, if Okpe Nation were an absolute monarchy the Orodje will possess and exercise an unquestioned political and legislative power and authority to reign and rule as he pleases in accordance to the mediaeval concept of the divine right of kings, whose pronouncements are considered law, final and binding on all citizens. Constitutionally speaking, Nigeria is not a monarchy. Therefore, it is severely injurious to the political system to speak of monarchies in the polity. This injury is exemplified by the way several political leaders have used and abused traditional rulers across the country since 1960’’.
He stressed the main thrust of Okpe Union’s ideological construct.
‘’The main thrust of Okpe Union’s ideological construct is to promote, propagate, and defend the interests of the Okpe Nation in a multi-ethnic Delta State and in Nigeria. Towards this end, we consider it existential for the Government of Delta State to recognize Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality, a distinction which was extinguished by the British Colonial Government by wrongly classifying Okpe as Urhobo. Phrased differently, we are demanding the rights of Okpe Nation to self-determination. Fighting for freedom, the liberation of a people, a Nation, is a noble but risky venture which only a conscious minority is called upon by History to undertake. Historically, not all enslaved peoples want or understand freedom. Harriet Tubman, one of America’s most revered abolitionists of the 19th and early 20th centuries risked her life so that Black Americans could be free. Her “underground railway” project led to the freedom of millions of Black Americans, and defined the self-determination movement of Black Americans in the 20th century. The Okpe Union is playing a similar role in Okpe Nation’.
Natufe paid tribute to the following founding fathers that had the foresight to establish Okpe Union and served in the first National Executive Council of the Union.
‘’It gave me great joy to preside over the 95th Anniversary Celebrations of the Okpe Union on May 15 – 16, 2025, at Obalende, Lagos. For those who may not know, Okpe Union is the oldest ethnic organization in Nigeria. We paid tribute to the following founding fathers that had the foresight to establish Okpe Union and served in the first National Executive Council of the Union: Thomas O. Ake of Mereje Town: President, M. A. Ero of Ughoton: Vice President, Inspector Odeghe (later known as Chief Odeghe) of Oha: General Secretary, J. K. Ogodo of Sapele: Auditor, Uweriavwe Ake of Mereje Town: Treasurer, J. U. Igberiewe of Okuokpokpor: Assistant Treasurer, J. E. Uwerhievwe of Esubi: Member, Uko of Jeddo: Member and J. E. Ewhiewhie: Member’’.
The renowned political scientist commended Okpe Union members across Nigeria and in the Diaspora who made the 95th Anniversary a huge success
‘’I do not have sufficient words to thank all our members across Nigeria and in the Diaspora who made the 95th Anniversary a huge success, considering that they graciously provided the resources as their altruistic contributions to the growth and development of the Okpe Nation. Members of the National Planning Committee and the Local Planning Committee were marvelous. They are the pillars of the Okpe Union that did the heavy lifting’’.
Natufe spoke on the landmark achievements of the Union in 2025 and expectations in 2026.
‘’Keeping the Union focused on our goals and objectives. The celebration of the 95th Anniversary of the Founding of the Okpe Union definitely was the highlight of 2025. We registered new branches and members across Nigeria and the Diaspora. In 2026, we shall intensify our sensitization and outreach programme to various Okpe organizations and leaders (traditional and political) in pursuit of the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality. We shall, simultaneously, intensify our advocacy for the renaming of Okpe LGA and Sapele LGA to Okpe East LGA and Okpe West LGA, respectively’’.
He called for true federalism in the country.
‘’Okpe Union strongly supports the restructuring of Nigeria’s federalism. We are working collaboratively with other ethnic nationalities in different national organizations across Nigeria to affect this restructuring. For example, we actively participated in the drafting of an Executive Bill on the subject which was submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as a submission to the Federal House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee. We are working with other ethnic nationalities and national organizations to ensure the success of these initiatives in 2026’’.
He also spoke on bursar award, sensitization and outreach programmes to various Okpe organizations and leaders (traditional and political) in pursuit of the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality.
‘’The motive is simple: we initiated a bursary programme for Okpe students in higher institutions as part of our efforts to actualize the vision of the Founding Fathers of the Okpe Union and to provide less privileged but talented Okpe nationals with higher education. The 2025 Bursary was awarded to 12 (twelve) Okpe sons and daughters, in line with the vision of the Founding Fathers of the Okpe Union to establish a base for human capital and economic development of the Okpe Nation. Recall that the Founding Fathers offered scholarships to FOUR Okpe sons to study overseas in their individual field of endeavor. This laudable policy initiative of our Founding Fathers should not and must not be allowed to die due mainly to the present economic hardship in Nigeria today. Hence, for the past three years, the Okpe Union has limited the award to Bursary in the meantime’’.
Currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Stratepol Consultants INC and author of Soviet Policy in Africa: From Lenin to Brezhnev and Russian Foreign Policy in Search of Influence, Natufe emphasized the need to defend Okpe national interests and territorial integrity.
‘’We do not want to recast any distortion of facts regarding Okpe Identity that emanated from some media houses in the past year. We have moved forward beyond that. We are in a democratic political system where freedom of speech is highly recognized. But be rest assured that we are vigilant in reviewing all publications regarding Okpe Nation and we remain resolute in defending Okpe national interests and territorial integrity’’.
January 1, 2026.
Introduction
Fellow Okpe Citizens I greet you all. Ekpako mẹ, mi di ghwẹn. I bring you fraternal greetings from the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpẹ Union.
It gives me profound joy and a sense of civic responsibility to issue this *NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO OKPE NATION* on behalf of the NEC and the world wide membership of the Okpẹ Union.
First and foremost, we give thanks to God for his blessings and guidance as we successfully navigated our paths in our respective endeavours throughout the year 2025. Second, we pray for God’s continued blessings and guidance in the New Year, 2026 and beyond.
While we pray for ourselves, our families and neighbours, we also pray to God to grant us the will to forge a strong unity of purpose as a People to work collaboratively in our pursuit of the growth and development of Okpẹ Nation, a task which is fundamental to the ideological construct of the Okpẹ Union. As the mouthpiece of the Okpẹ Nation, Okpẹ Union shall remain steadfast on its historical mission of facilitating the independence of Okpẹ Nation, which is to struggle for the recognition of Okpẹ as a distinct ethnic nationality, and not an appendage of any other ethnic nationality.
*The Year 2025*
2025 has been a landmark year for the Okpẹ Nation. One defined by unity, resilience, and purposeful remembrance. Most notably, we proudly commemorated the 95th Anniversary of the establishment of the Okpẹ Union on May 16, a historic milestone that honoured our roots, reaffirmed our identity, and strengthened our collective resolve as a people.Held at the registered national headquarters of the Okpẹ Union in Obalende, Lagos, the Anniversary was attended by members from all branches in Nigeria and from the Diaspora. I thank God for making it possible for me to physically attend this august celebration and to preside over it. The positive vibes at the event were electric, and guided by our ancestors.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to every member whose dedication, sacrifice, and collaboration made the 95th Anniversary, as well as all the other efforts and activities of the Union, a success. Your efforts, seen and unseen, contributed immensely to this feat and to the continued growth and relevance of the Okpẹ Union. Members across Nigeria and in the Diaspora worked tirelessly in rendering their altruistic services to the Okpẹ Union and Okpẹ Nation. In the face of endogenous and exogenous challenges and distractions, our members remained resolute. Mention must also be made of the invaluable financial and moral support we enjoyed from several Okpẹ nationals, non-members of the Union, in support of our activities since 2021.
Okpẹ Union was actively involved in numerous activities throughout 2025. These engagements spread across invitational meetings, celebrations and call to action. Okpẹ Union continues to play critical roles in both the Movement for National Reformation (MNR) and The Rebirth Group (TRG); both national organizations that are actively engaged in the restructuring of Nigeria’s federalism. As a stakeholder in TRG, Okpẹ Union participated in its maiden symposium in Ibadan, in May 2024. Subsequently, in 2025, we participated in TRG Symposia on political restructuring of Nigeria, in Enugu, Gombe, and Port Harcourt, in July, October and December, respectively.
The Union took part in several social and community engagements, including funerals, weddings, and other important events. These representations were carried out by members of the NEC, Okpẹ Union branches and in some cases, both organs. We participated in the burial ceremonies of our brother and mentor, Rev. Dr. Charles E. Osume, an illustrious son of Okpẹ Nation and an unwavering advocate of Okpẹ Identity in March 2025. Overall, Okpẹ Union performed admirably in 2025, demonstrating commitment, progress, and strong visibility across various engagements. Our branches have solidified their positions while some have engaged in initiatives geared towards the growth and promotion of Okpẹ Identity. In this regard, we commend the South West Region for the following initiatives:
Plans are in place for other Branches to emulate the South West Region. We are also working on plans to open new branches of the Union in 2026.
Another major activity of the year 2025 is the progress recorded in ongoing court cases, which have continued to yield positive outcomes for the Union. This reflects the Union’s determination and commitment to protecting its interests through legal intervention.We shall continue our legal actions against the contemnors as a just and legal avenue to the restoration of democracy and good governance in Okpẹ Nation.
During the preceding year, the Union was compelled by several factors to address pressing issues affecting the Okpẹ people in the media. Some of these media engagements clarified deliberate distortion of facts regarding Okpẹ Identity. The Union was very active in the media space, either in the social media or mainstream media. These media visibility has positioned the Okpẹ Union as a strategic group among ethnic nationalities in Nigeria capable of championing and protecting the collective interests of the people at home and in the Diaspora.
*OKPE UNION AND OKPE KINGDOM*
While we reiterate our profound reverence for the Okpẹ Throne, we remain resolute in our defence of democratic tenets and good governance in Okpẹ Nation. We also reiterate our firm view that Okpẹ Kingdom is not an absolute monarchy where a monarch’s pronouncements are considered “final” even when they violate basic democratic norms. We recognize that to toe the path of *TRUTH* is a difficult choice that only a small minority with sound social consciousness can embark on. *TRUTH* can be suppressed, but can never be imprisoned.
*INTERNAL DYNAMICS*
The interference/usurpation of the role of Okpẹ Union as a registered body with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as a socio-cultural cum a pressure group has limited our effectiveness, given that much financial resources have been diverted towards our court cases with the renegade group. This role amongst others is being threatened by the traditional leaders maybe for political reasons, as they now want to dictate who emerge the leaders of the Union. The recent anti-Okpẹ Identity role of HRM Orhue l, the Orodje of Okpẹ Kingdom and some of his chiefs, is a challenge which we are destined by History to overcome for the interest of the Okpẹ Nation. The Okpẹ Identity project is a task that is crucial to the entire Okpẹ people.
*OKPE UNION AND EXTERNAL IRRITANTS*
Some elements of the Itsekiri and Urhobo nationalities continue to constitute irritants to the Okpẹ Nation. The Urhobo via their nefarious WADO activities claim Okpẹ territories. We vehemently reject this as Okpẹ is not Urhobo and neither are we an appendage of any ethnic nationality.
*THE MENACE BY SOME ITSEKIRIS*
The menace by some Itsekiris is more troubling to the Okpẹ Nation. Recalling that we opened our doors to welcome Itsekiri fleeing from their civil war and offered them shelter, it now seems that our hospitality has become a curse; just as the Hausas in the north and indigenous nationalities in central Nigeria are experiencing with the Fulanis. The Itsekiri civil war, known as the “Nana war” of 1894 forced scores of Itsekiris to flee their lands and *”ran for refuge to Sapele where they were granted refuge by the Okpẹ people”*, the owners of Sapele. This was the judgement of the West African Court of Appeal (WACA), Holden at Lagos, Nigeria, on April 30th 1943, before their Honours: Sir Donald Kingdon, Chief Justice of Nigeria – President; Sir Philip Bertis Petrides, Chief Justice, Gold Coast (now Ghana), and George Graham Paul, Chief Justice, Sierra Leone.
As a nationality that prides itself as a respecter of the rule of law and court judgements, one would expect the Itsekiri Nation to honour the 1943 WACA judgement and desist from all their bogus claims on Okpẹ territories. They illegally renamed the sections they were allowed to reside as refugees with Itsekiri names. For example, they changed *Etamua* to “Ogunaja”, *Amua Ogodo* to “Aja Ogodo”, and a part of Amuokpe to “Aja-Sagay”, etc. Speaking on behalf of the Itsekiri Nation, one Prince Nosa had the audacity to declare that:
*”Sapele is a local govt NOT a community. Within Sapele local govts, there are dozens of Okpe and Itsekiri communities. Itsekiri communities in Sapele local govt include Obotie, Ugbekoko, Aworun, Enaso, Adaka, Ajojiguo, Ugbosien, UtonIyatsere, Ogunaja and many others”*.
This is a blatant demonstration of reckless expansionism by some Itsekiris. The settler equates himself to the indigenes. The Okpẹ Union demands that Itsekiri leadership call to order these Itsekiri elements who denigrate the sovereignty of the Okpẹ Nation over its territories. The case of the Itsekiri threat in Sapele should be of serious concern to all Okpẹ people.
The bogus claims by some Itsekiris to indigenous communities in Okpeland especially in the areas that were constituted into the Sapele Okpẹ Sobo Forest Reserve during the Colonial Era when the Okpẹ Nation was created under the Urhobo Division, led to the setting up of a Delta State Judicial Commission of Enquiry into the Okpẹ Sobo Forest Reserve in 2020 by the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa Administration. From the published Record of Proceedings of the Commission of Enquiry, the claims by the Itsekiris of Abigborodo, Obotie and others to indigenous communities in Okpẹ land were rubbished. In the turn of the New Year, the Okpẹ Union shall comprehensively bring out the contents of those revealing proceedings to the public so that once and for all, the false claims of these impostors who know the Itsekiri Communities especially in Warri North Local Government Area they hail from would be in the public domain. For the records, the Itsekiris and the Okpẹs do not have any land boundaries. The territorial boundary between Okpẹ land and Itsekiriland is the stretch of the Hole in the Wall Creek, the tributary that extends into between Sapele and Abigborodo (boundary between Sapele LGA and Warri North LGA)over which the Emmanuel Uduaghan Administration constructed a bridge, to Obotie-Ugbukurusu, to Ikeresan, to Elume River, to Erogho water side, and finally to the water boundary between Ughoton and Omadino (the boundary between Okpe LGA and Warri South LGA) over which the James Ibori Administration constructed the Ughoton-Omadino Bridge.
We call on the Okpẹ Traditional Council and political leaders, especially the chairmen of the Sapele Local Government Council (LGC) and the Okpẹ Local Government Council (LGC) and our representatives in the Delta State House of Assembly to stand up to their responsibilities as the defenders of Okpẹ sovereignty. We simultaneously call on Okpẹ political leaders, specifically Okakuro Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Okakuro Senator Ede Dafinone, Hon. Ben Etanabene, Ekakuro James Augoye and Perkins Umukoro to begin to articulate and promote Okpẹ interests in their respective portfolios. To start with, the appellation” Sapele Okpẹ Community” should be changed. It has no conceptual difference with the other ethnic communities in Sapele, for instance, the Sapele Ndigbo Community, the Sapele Yoruba Community, the Sapele Itsekiri Community, etc. It is passive. A more positive name, for example, *Sapele Indigenes Association* should be considered as it connotes a definitive and positive meaning.
*PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE*
The policy of peaceful coexistence continues to define the cornerstone of Okpẹ Union’s relationship with other ethnic nationalities. However, let it be known that, by any legitimate means possible, we will strongly defend the territories of the Okpẹ Nation against intrusions by any ethnic nationality on our sovereignty. While non-Okpẹ nationals are welcome in Okpẹ villages and towns; they must not forget that they are guests and not owners of Okpẹ land. Unlike other nationalities, some elements in the Itsekiri Nation do not seem to understand this fundamental principle of residency outside their ancestral lands. Interestingly, these Itsekiri elements will not dare to claim ownership of Ajoki, Ekehuan and Ologbo in Benin Kingdom.
*2026 AND BEYOND*
We look forward to 2026 and beyond with optimism for the future of Okpẹ Nation. We shall refine our strategic approach to better position us and our Okpẹ stakeholders in the pursuit of the recognition of Okpẹ as a distinct ethnic nationality in Delta State. This objective remains an existential challenge of the Okpẹ Nation whichOkpẹ Union was established to attain. We shall intensify our collaboration with internal and external forces for a better appreciation of the benefits of Okpẹ Identity to all parties, including the Urhobo. The two local government councils in Okpẹ Nation, Sapele LGC and Okpẹ LGC, shall be encouraged to play a pivotal role in the Redemption of the Okpẹ Nation.
We shall continue to encourage the use of Okpẹ Language in worship and the translation of Church sermons using the Okpẹ language, to enhance the Okpẹ identity and development strategy of Okpẹ Nation. We shall continue to intensify our strategic collaboration with other Okpẹ organizations, as well as with other ethnic nationalities in Delta State and Nigeria, in the realization of this noble historical imperative.
Despite the schism between the palace and Okpẹ Union, the Union appeals to the entire Okpẹ people for cooperation and unity to enhance economic development of Okpẹ Nation.
Stay tuned for further information, including NEC’s programme for the celebration of Okpẹ Union’s Founders’ (96 Years) Day on May 16, 2026.
On behalf of the Okpẹ Union I wish you and your families a Prosperous New Year, 2026.
*Prof. O. Igho Natufe,*
President General, Okpẹ Union (World Wide)
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio over “the failure to refer the alleged N3.7 trillion budget padding to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution, and to recall Senator Abdul Ningi who blew the whistle on the allegations.”
Mr Akpabio is sued for himself and on behalf of all members of Nigeria’s Senate.
It would be recalled that whistleblower Ningi last month was suspended for three months over his allegations that the 2024 budget was padded by over N3 trillion and that the country is operating two budgets.
In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/452/2024 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to refer the alleged N3.7 trillion budget padding to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution of suspected perpetrators.”
SERAP is also seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to immediately take steps to ensure the reinstatement of whistleblower Abdul Ningi who was suspended from the Senate over his allegations that the lawmakers padded the 2024 budget by irregularly inserting projects worth N3.7 trillion.”
SERAP is also seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to put in place transparency and accountability mechanisms to ensure that the trillions of Naira budgeted for constituency projects are not embezzled, misappropriated or diverted into private pockets.”
In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “Granting this application would serve the public interest, encourage whistleblowers to speak up, improve public services, and ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.”
SERAP is arguing that, “Directing Mr Akpabio to refer these allegations to appropriate anticorruption agencies and to reinstate whistleblower Abdul Ningi would be entirely consistent and compatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international obligations.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “The allegations by Senator Ningi amount to public interest disclosures and can contribute to strengthening transparency and democratic accountability in the Senate in particular and the country as a whole.”
According to SERAP, “Suspension of Senator Ningi by the Senate followed a seriously flawed process and it amounts to retaliation.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “Senator Ningi’s status as a whistleblower is not diminished even if the perceived threat to the public interest has not materialised, since he would seem to have reasonable grounds to believe in the accuracy of the allegations of budget padding and corruption in the Senate.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Mrs Adelanke Aremo, read in part: “It is in the public interest and the interest of justice to grant this application. No whistleblower should ever be penalised simply for making a public interest disclosure.”
“Directing Mr Akpabio to refer the allegations to appropriate anticorruption agencies would help to address the lingering problem of budget padding and corruption in the implementation of constituency projects.”
“Directing Mr Akpabio to refer the allegations to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would also ensure probity and accountability in the budget process.”
“Investigating and prosecuting the allegations of budget padding and corruption would end the impunity of perpetrators. It would build trust in democratic institutions with the ultimate aim of strengthening the rule of law.”
“Years of allegations of budget padding and corruption in the implementation of constituency projects have contributed to widespread poverty, underdevelopment and lack of access to public goods and services.”
“Allegations of budget padding and corruption in the implementation of constituency projects have also continued to have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens in several communities and the public interest.”
“Combating budget padding would improve access of Nigerians to basic public goods and services, and enhance the ability of ministries, departments and agencies to effectively and efficiently discharge their constitutional and statutory responsibilities.”
“Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
“Section 16(2) of the Nigerian Constitution further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’”
“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on the National Assembly including the Senate to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.”
“Section 81 of the Nigerian Constitution and sections 13 and 18 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act constrain the ability of the National Assembly to unilaterally insert its own allocations in the budget without following the due process of law.”
“Nigeria has made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to ensure accountability in the management of public resources.”
“Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on the National Assembly including the Senate to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds.”
“Article 33 of the Convention requires government institutions including the Senate to ensure the protection of whistleblowers against any unjustified treatment. Granting this application would ensure that these commitments are fully upheld and respected.”
“Senator Ningi is a whistleblower, who is protected under article 33 of the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party. Senator Ningi is a whistleblower because of his public interest disclosures on alleged budget padding and corruption in the Senate in the context of carrying out his work as Senator.”
“According to our information, Senator Abdul Ningi, the former Chairperson of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), recently told BBC Hausa that the lawmakers sought the service of a private auditor and discovered irregularities in the budget.”
“Senator Ningi reportedly said, ‘For example, we had a budget of N28 trillion but after our thorough checks, we found out that it was a budget of N25 trillion. How and where did we get the additional N3 trillion from, what are we spending it for?.’”
“According to BudgIT, a total of 7,447 projects culminating in N2.24tn were indiscriminately inserted in the 2024 budget by the National Assembly. 281 projects worth N491bn, and 3,706 projects within the range of N100–500m, worth 759bn were inserted in the budget.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
7/04/2024
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202