CurrentReport Blog The Nigerian Senate has firmly denied recent allegations that it determines its own salaries and allowances or has received special fiscal packages from the Presidency. This clarification comes amid fresh controversies following a visit by Senate members to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Senate Spokesman Yemi Adaramodu in Abuja, the Senate rejected the accusations, stressing that the 10th Senate has not received any financial patronage from the Presidency. Adaramodu emphasized that the salaries and allowances paid to Senators are determined by the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMFAC) in strict accordance with constitutional provisions, a process that has always been transparent and available in the public domain.
The Senate also addressed the ongoing public discourse around constituency projects, which are often misunderstood. According to Adaramodu, Senators merely suggest and nominate these projects, a practice common in other democracies worldwide. The actual execution and awarding of contracts for these projects are managed by the Executive arm of the government, through various ministries and agencies.
The funds allocated for constituency projects, Adaramodu explained, are distributed based on the number of constituencies in each state, ensuring that federal resources benefit all regions of Nigeria. The Senate challenged any Nigerian with evidence to the contrary to come forward, insisting that the allegations of self-determined salaries and allowances are baseless.
As Nigeria navigates what has been described as a “season of political pontificating,” the Senate Spokesman assured the public that the 10th Assembly remains a “responsible and responsive chamber.” He reiterated the Senate’s commitment to upholding the economy and fostering growth in Nigeria, stating that the legislative body only receives what is constitutionally allocated to it and does not seek additional perks from other branches of government.
