The Advocates of Social Justice for All (ASJA) has defended the National Assembly over the controversial N110 billion spent on the procurement of official vehicles and support allowances for lawmakers, warning critics against undermining the legislature.

The group’s position follows a recent Federal High Court judgment in Lagos which declared unlawful the expenditure of N40 billion for the purchase of SUVs for members of the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as N70 billion allocated as support allowances for members of the 10th National Assembly.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Torkuma Asongo, ASJA argued that the National Assembly, as an independent arm of government, has the constitutional authority to make budgetary provisions necessary for the discharge of its legislative responsibilities.

The group maintained that official vehicles for lawmakers should be viewed as essential tools for legislative work, including oversight functions, constituency engagements and committee assignments, rather than as luxury items.

ASJA also faulted calls by critics and civil society organisations for lawmakers to refund the funds, describing such demands as premature and capable of generating unnecessary institutional tension.

The organisation urged stakeholders to respect the principle of separation of powers and allow the judicial process, including any appeals arising from the court judgment, to run its course.

According to ASJA, sustained attacks on the National Assembly risk weakening democratic institutions and eroding public confidence in governance, stressing that strengthening the legislature remains crucial to Nigeria’s democratic development.