Senate President Ahmad Lawan has reacted to the angry reactions that have continued to trail the National Assembly’s roof leakage.
The New Diplomat had reported that some sections of the National Assembly’s complex were seen leaking shortly after the rain started on Tuesday morning.
The roof of the main lobby of the national assembly also leaked rainwater while the heavy downpour lasted.
Many Nigerians took to the social media to describe the incident as a national embarrassment.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had in 2019 approved N37 billion for the renovation of the National Assembly complex.
However, reacting to the widespread condemnation, the Senate President told Nigerians to not blame the lawmakers, saying that the approved N37 billion is in custody of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
He clarified that the FCDA was in charge of the maintenance of the complex and not the lawmakers against the belief of many Nigerians.
According to Lawan, the roof leakage is a clear indication that the National Assembly needs renovation.
In his words, “The fact that there was a leakage to me is a clear testimony, confirmation and vindication of the position the national assembly took initially.
“Everyone knows that this place is overdue for rehabilitation. We went to see Mr President and he was gracious and he asked us to meet with FCTA, the owners of the building.
“Myself, the speaker, late chief of staff and minister of finance met to look for money for the rehabilitation of the national assembly.
“When the N37 billion was approved, it was not a National Assembly budget, it was an FCDA budget.
“If this place leaks we are not holding our democracy with the respect it has. We expect the press to inform the people responsibly.
“This house is the house of Nigerians. It belongs to Nigerians and it deserves to be rehabilitated.”
