The senate has described the allegations that it determines its own salaries as “uncharitable and satanic.”
In a fervent rebuttal, the Nigerian Senate has dismissed allegations suggesting that it determines its own salaries and receives special fiscal packages from the presidency.
These claims, which were amplified following a visit by a group of House of Representatives members to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, have sparked significant controversy.
The senate has clarified that it only receives salaries as constitutionally allocated by the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMFAC).
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In a statement issued by senate spokesman, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu (APC Ekiti South), the senate described the allegations as an attempt to “crucify the legislature by the centurions of political hypocrisy.” He challenged anyone with credible evidence to present contrary facts, labeling any suggestion that the senate sets its own pay as “uncharitable and satanic.”
Adaramodu addressed rumors of monetary patronage from the presidency, stating unequivocally that no senator has received any such benefits. He clarified that the constituency projects often linked to the legislature are merely suggested and nominated by senators, following practices common in other democracies worldwide.
“The executive arm of government, through its various ministries and agencies, is responsible for awarding contracts for the constituency projects. The funds allocated for these projects, vary depending on the number of constituencies in each state and the intention is to ensure that every region of Nigeria benefits from federal resources”.
As the country enters what some describe as a “season of political pontificating”, Sen. Adaramodu assured the public that the 10th assembly remains a “responsible and responsive chamber.” The senate reiterated 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.
Controversial remunerations
The remunerations of house members and their senate counterparts has always been shrouded in controversy, largely because it is kept highly confidential.
OrderPaper notes that last week, House spokesman Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr. (APC Ekiti) clarified that members earn ₦600,000 monthly, contradicting the figure shared by Rep. Uzokwe Ifeanyi (YPP Anambra) .
Ifeanyi, during an appearance on Channels TV, disclosed that his salary as of July was ₦936,979.33.
OrderPaper also recalls that before the planned nationwide protest, the House of Representatives, while announcing a 50% donation of their salaries to alleviate hardship, disclosed that their monthly salary was ₦600,000.
