National Assembly. Photo Femi Ipaye

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a civil society organisation, has appealed to the UN to intervene in the alleged padding of the 2016 budget with N481 billion by legislators.

This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday by Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni, SERAP Executive Director.

It would be recalled that Rep. Abdulmumuni Jibrin was asked to step down as the Chairman on Appropriation Committee over allegations of budget padding and high-handedness by his colleagues.

It would also be recalled that Jibrin in turn accused the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara; Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Lasun; Chief Whip, Hassan Doguwa and Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, of perpetrating financial fraud.

The statement, addressed to Prof. Philip Alston, UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, urged the world body to use its office and position to unravel the mystery behind the allegations.

The statement urged the UN to “use your good offices and position to urgently request the leadership of the House of Representatives of Nigeria to explain the alleged deliberate padding of the 2016 budget with N481 billion.

“Put pressure on the leadership of the House of Representatives to allow for independent and transparent investigation of the allegations of budget padding, diversion of public funds and abuse of office.

“Disallow Jubrin from being victimised for blowing the whistle on the allegations of corruption in the House

“Make sure that the alleged corruption is not allowed to undermine the mandate of the Special Rapporteur to advance human rights and address extreme poverty

“Urge the National Assembly, in particular the House of Representatives to promote in its legislative duties transparency and accountability and observe human rights principles.

“Also, that the exercise of its legislative power complies with Nigeria’s international human rights obligations and commitments.’’ (NAN