The Nigerian Senate has vehemently denied allegations suggesting that it plays a role in determining its salaries or receiving special financial packages from the Presidency.
These claims reportedly surfaced during a recent visit by members of the House of Representatives to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, igniting widespread public debate.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Senate Spokesman Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South) dismissed the accusations, characterizing them as an effort to “crucify the legislature by the centurions of political hypocrisy.”
Adaramodu emphasized that no Senator has received any form of financial support from the Presidency, clarifying that the constituency projects associated with the legislature are merely proposals made by Senators.
He noted that this practice is consistent with those in other democracies worldwide.
To clarify the situation, Adaramodu stated that the Senate only receives the salary allocated to it by the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission, strictly following constitutional guidelines.
He challenged anyone with credible evidence to present facts to the contrary, labeling the notion that the National Assembly sets its salaries as “uncharitable and satanic.”
Adaramodu further explained that the Executive branch, through its various ministries and agencies, is responsible for awarding contracts for constituency projects.
The funds for these projects are allocated based on the number of constituencies in each state, ensuring that all regions of Nigeria benefit from federal resources.
As Nigeria enters what some are calling a “season of political pontificating,” Adaramodu assured the public that the 10th Assembly remains a “responsible and responsive chamber.”
He reiterated the Senate’s commitment to upholding the nation’s economy and growth, stressing that it only receives constitutionally allocated funds and would not seek additional perks from other branches of government.
