According to vanguard news, the management of the National Assembly has provided clarification regarding the controversial two million Naira allowance paid to Senators and members of the House of Representatives before embarking on a long recess.
Last week, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, initially mentioned that the Senate clerk sent a token to lawmakers to enable them to “enjoy their holidays.” However, he later retracted his statement and said he was sending prayers into the mailboxes of all senators for the holiday.
This statement led to significant controversies, with many Nigerians criticizing the lawmakers for enjoying themselves while neglecting the economic hardships faced by many citizens.
In response to the public uproar, the Secretary of Research and Information, Ali Umoru, released a statement clarifying that the two million Naira allowance provided to lawmakers is part of their statutory running cost as outlined in the 2023 budget. Umoru emphasized that this allowance is a standard practice and has been allocated to facilitate various activities carried out by the senators in the course of their duties.
The statement highlighted that the running cost allocation is not a new development; it has been a consistent practice. These funds are used to support activities that contribute to effective representation, legislative functions, and other initiatives aimed at serving the interests of the people.
The statement clarified: “The allowances are, therefore, an entitlement and not a privilege or largesse distributed to the Senators. However, given the wrong impression the subject matter has created, it has become imperative to make this clarification and put the records straight.”
The management of the National Assembly reiterated their commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, and they expressed appreciation for the continued support and understanding of the Nigerian people in upholding the principles of democracy and good governance.
Onyesblog (
)
