The Nigerian Senate has vehemently denied allegations that it receives special financial packages from the Presidency or determines its own salaries.
The accusations, which surfaced during a meeting between House of Representatives members and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, have sparked heated public debates.
Senate Spokesman Yemi Adaramodu dismissed the claims as a malicious attempt to tarnish the legislature’s reputation.
He emphasized that no Senator has received financial patronage from the Presidency, and that their salaries are strictly allocated by the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission, in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Adaramodu clarified that constituency projects often linked to the legislature are merely suggested and nominated by Senators, a common practice in democracies worldwide.
He challenged anyone with credible evidence to present contrary facts, describing any suggestion that the National Assembly fixes its salaries as “uncharitable and satanic.”
The Senate Spokesman explained that the Executive arm of government is responsible for awarding contracts for constituency projects, with funds allocated varying by state and constituency.
He assured the public that the 10th Assembly remains committed to upholding Nigeria’s economy and growth, receiving only what is constitutionally allocated and never seeking additional perks from other branches of government.
