THE Nigerian Senate has denied allegations that it is involved in setting its own salaries or receiving special financial packages from the Presidency.
These accusations, which reportedly emerged during a visit by members of the House of Representatives to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, have ignited widespread public debate.
In a statement issued by the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), on Sunday, August 11, the Senate labelled the allegations as an attempt to “crucify the legislature by the centurions of political hypocrisy.”
Adaramodu emphasised that no senator had received any financial favours from the Presidency.
He clarified that the constituency projects often associated with the legislature are simply proposed and nominated by senators, which aligns with practices seen in other democracies worldwide.
He said, “The Executive arm of government, through its various ministries and agencies, is responsible for awarding contracts for constituency projects. The funds allocated for these projects vary depending on the number of constituencies in each state, with the goal of ensuring that every region of Nigeria benefits from federal resources.”
Adaramodu reassured the public that the 10th Assembly remains a “responsible and responsive chamber.”
He reiterated the Senate’s dedication to supporting Nigeria’s economy and growth, insisting that it only received what was constitutionally allocated and would never seek additional benefits from other arms of government.
The ICIR reports that despite the Senate’s claims, many Nigerians have described the National Assembly as a puppet of the Presidency, especially under President Bola Tinubu’s government.
This organisation further reports that since Nigeria returned to democracy in May 1999, the Godswill Akpabio-led Senate has promptly approved requests from the Executive, headed by Tinubu, more than any other Senate since the Fourth Republic.
Nurudeen Akewushola is an investigative reporter and fact-checker with The ICIR. He believes courageous in-depth investigative reporting is the key to social justice, accountability and good governance in society. You can reach him via [email protected] and @NurudeenAkewus1 on Twitter.