Nigerians Express Outrage As Senators Receive N2M Token’: Senator Ningi Speaks Out

Nigerians Express Outrage as Senators Receive N2M Token’: Senator Ningi Speaks Out

The recent revelation that some Nigerian Senators received a N2 million holiday allowance has sparked intense reactions from citizens across the nation. Senator Abdul Ningi, a member of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), shed light on the matter, highlighting the discontent among lawmakers and the general public.

The controversy unfolded when Senate President Godswill Akpabio was inadvertently recorded during a plenary session on Tuesday, August 8, announcing that Senators would be receiving a “token” for their recess. This remark came just after the conclusion of ministerial screening proceedings. Read Also Ministerial List: El-Rufai Bows To Pressure, Withdraws, Recommends Sani To Tinubu As Minister (DETAILS)

Nigerians wasted no time in expressing their frustration over the news. Many voiced their condemnation of Senators benefiting from such allowances while the nation grapples with economic challenges, notably the aftermath of the fuel subsidy removal.

In an interview with Channels TV, Senator Abdul Ningi confirmed the existence of the allowance as mentioned by Akpabio. He candidly stated that while some Senators had received the N2 million allowance, he was yet to see any funds deposited into his account.

“Nothing has come to my account yet. I heard that some people got N2m but for me, nothing yet. Hopefully [I would get], when they tidy up things,” he commented.

Senator Ningi, representing Bauchi central in the Senate, criticized Senator Akpabio’s approach to disclosing the allowances, deeming it unprecedented and an embarrassment to both Akpabio personally and the National Assembly as an institution.

He questioned the transparency surrounding the allowances, demanding clarity on their purpose and source. “Some of these things, if they happen, you don’t broadcast it the way he did. I think it is a huge embarrassment to the Senate President as a person and to the institution of the National Assembly. The Senate President should have gone further to say what the allowances are for. How did he come about the allowances? Is it part of the remuneration?”

Senator Ningi acknowledged the widespread bitterness surrounding the issue and shared his perplexity at the purpose of the N2 million allowance. “I don’t know what N2m would do for a holiday. I find it very difficult to understand what this money is for,” he stated.

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As Nigerians await further clarification, Senator Ningi underscored the need for Senators to be informed about the purpose of these allowances, particularly since recess allowances are not part of lawmakers’ regular compensation packages. The public’s demand for transparency and accountability in matters of governance remains resolute.”