The Federal High Court in Lagos has declared unlawful the National Assembly’s controversial expenditure of N110 billion on sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and support allowances for lawmakers, ruling that the spending violated procurement laws, constitutional provisions, and the principles of public accountability.

In a judgment delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023, the court held that the allocation of N40 billion for the purchase of 465 vehicles for federal lawmakers and N70 billion as support allowances for newly elected members was inconsistent with due process requirements and the public trust.

The lawsuit was instituted by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in August 2023 following public outrage over the planned expenditure at a time many Nigerians were grappling with economic hardship.

According to a certified true copy of the judgment obtained on Sunday, the court also directed the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to ensure that all future procurement processes and spending of public funds by the National Assembly strictly comply with established due process guidelines.

Justice Bogoro further stressed that future expenditures must be guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, and value for money, reinforcing the need for prudent management of public resources.

SERAP, in a statement signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, welcomed the judgment, describing it as a significant victory for accountability and the rule of law.

The organisation explained that it approached the court after the National Assembly announced plans to spend N40 billion on official vehicles and another N70 billion in support packages for lawmakers despite the country’s worsening economic situation.

The ruling is expected to intensify public debate over government spending priorities and could have far-reaching implications for future budgetary allocations and procurement practices within the National Assembly.

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, have emphasized the critical role of education in addressing the root causes of banditry, terrorism, and other forms of insecurity across the country.

Speaking at a recent event focused on education and national development, the leaders noted that investing in quality education is one of the most effective ways to combat crime, reduce poverty, and create opportunities for young people.

According to them, many security challenges confronting the nation can be linked to unemployment, illiteracy, and limited access to educational opportunities, particularly among vulnerable populations.

They stressed that providing children and youths with access to education equips them with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to contribute positively to society and resist criminal influences.

The officials also highlighted the need for greater collaboration between governments, communities, and development partners to improve educational infrastructure and expand learning opportunities across the country.

Governor Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the education sector in Kaduna State, describing human capital development as a key pillar of sustainable peace and economic growth.

The Defence Minister, on his part, noted that military operations alone cannot completely eliminate insecurity, adding that long-term solutions must include education, empowerment, and social development initiatives.

Stakeholders at the event agreed that improving access to education remains essential to building a safer and more prosperous Nigeria, particularly in communities affected by conflict and insecurity.

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, has appointed former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, as the Director-General of his campaign organisation ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The appointment was announced during a meeting of the campaign council and is widely seen as a strategic move aimed at strengthening Hamzat’s political structure as preparations for the election gather momentum.

Obanikoro, a veteran politician with decades of experience in both state and federal politics, is expected to oversee campaign operations, stakeholder engagement, grassroots mobilisation, and other key activities leading up to the election.

Political observers believe the choice of Obanikoro reflects Hamzat’s determination to build a broad-based campaign network capable of attracting support across different parts of Lagos State. His experience as a former senator, minister, and diplomat is also expected to play a significant role in shaping the campaign’s strategy.

The development comes amid growing political activity within the Lagos APC as stakeholders continue consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship contest. Analysts say the appointment could further strengthen Hamzat’s position as the race gradually begins to take shape.

With Obanikoro now at the helm of the campaign structure, attention is expected to shift to the party’s mobilisation efforts and preparations for what promises to be a keenly contested election in Nigeria’s commercial capital.