Senate Denies Obasanjo’s Allegations
Senate Denies Obasanjo’s Allegations: The Nigerian Senate has
issued a response to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent
statements regarding the legislature’s salaries and benefits. In a statement released by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media
and Public Affairs, the Senate denied any involvement in determining
its own salaries or receiving special financial packages from the Presidency.
The Senate described Obasanjo’s allegations as an attempt to unfairly
criticize the legislature and clarified that its members do not receive
any financial patronage from the Presidency. The Senate also explained
that constituency projects are merely suggested and nominated by Senators,
following common practices in other democracies worldwide.
the senate
The Senate emphasized that it only receives the salary allocated to it by the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission, in accordance with constitutional provisions. The Senate challenged anyone with credible evidence to present contrary facts, describing any
suggestion that the National Assembly fixes its own salaries as “uncharitable and satanic.”
Additionally, the Senate explained that the Executive arm of government
is responsible for awarding contracts for constituency projects, and the funds allocated for these projects vary depending on the number of constituencies in each state. The intention is to ensure that every region of Nigeria benefits from federal resources.
the reaffirmation
The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the economy and growth of Nigeria, insisting that it only receives what is constitutionally allocated to it and would never seek additional perks from other branches of government.