Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) over its failure to investigate alleged misconduct by lawmakers during the passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill and tax reform legislation. SERAP alleges that key provisions on electronic transmission of election results were removed by certain lawmakers during plenary sessions, and that aspects of the tax reform bills were altered unlawfully. The group claims these actions amount to abuse of office and a violation of public trust. SERAP is asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the CCB to investigate the lawmakers involved. According to the suit, the CCB's inaction undermines accountability and transparency in governance. SERAP referenced Sections 18 and 19 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, which empower the bureau to investigate suspected breaches of the Code of Conduct by public officials. The group described the alleged alterations as "substantial and suspicious," particularly the removal of electronic transmission clauses critical to election transparency.
SERAP is holding the CCB accountable for not acting on clear allegations of legislative misconduct, not just defending election integrity. The lawsuit names no individual lawmakers, but the focus on the CCB's inaction puts pressure on an agency often seen as dormant on high-profile ethical breaches. If the court rules in SERAP's favour, it could force the CCB to take a more active role in monitoring legislative conduct. For Nigerians, this means a test of whether anti-corruption institutions can operate beyond rhetoric when political elites are involved.
