By Kawaekwune Jeffrey
The Nigerian Senate has refuted allegations suggesting that it is involved in determining its own salaries or receiving special financial packages from the Presidency. These accusations reportedly surfaced during a visit by members of the House of Representatives to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, sparking significant public debate.
However, in a statement released by Senate Spokesman Yemi Adaramodu, representing Ekiti South, the Senate dismissed the claims as an attempt to “crucify the legislature by the centurions of political hypocrisy.” Adaramodu emphasized that no Senator has received any financial benefits from the Presidency, categorically rejecting the allegations as baseless.
He clarified that the constituency projects often associated with the legislature are merely proposed and nominated by Senators, a practice common in other democracies around the world. Adaramodu further stressed that the Senate only receives the salary allocated to it by the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMFAC), in strict accordance with the Constitution.
The Senate said it was challenging anyone with credible evidence to present contrary facts, describing the suggestion that the National Assembly fixes its own salaries as “uncharitable and satanic.” The statement also explained that the Executive branch, through its various Ministries and agencies, is responsible for awarding contracts for constituency projects, ensuring that all regions of Nigeria benefit from federal resources.
It would be recalled that former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently criticized the National Assembly for allegedly determining its own salaries and allowances, describing the practice as “immoral.” During a meeting with members of the House of Representatives in Abeokuta, Obasanjo emphasized that it is the responsibility of the RMFAC to set the remuneration for public officeholders, not the lawmakers themselves. He condemned the practice whereby legislators allocate various allowances to themselves, arguing that it goes against the principles of fairness and ethics.
