Senate Dares Obasanjo In Bold Challenge

Senate Dares Obasanjo In Bold Challenge

The Senate has challenged former President Olusegun Obasanjo to provide evidence to back up claims he made, wherein he alleged that senators were fixing their own salaries and emoluments.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, the Senate issued a strong denial of allegations suggesting that it was involved in determining its own salaries or receiving special fiscal packages from the Presidency.

The claims surfaced during a visit by members of the House of Representatives to former President Obasanjo. The claims have since sparked widespread public condemnations.

The Senate described the allegations as an attempt to crucify the legislature by the centurions of political hypocrisy.

Adaramodu emphasised that no senator has received any financial patronage from the Presidency.

He claimed that the constituency projects often linked to the legislature were merely suggested and nominated by lawmakers, following practices common in other democracies worldwide.

To set the record straight, the Senate stressed that it only receives the salary allocated to it by the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission, in strict accordance with constitutional provisions.

The Senate challenged anyone with credible evidence to present contrary facts, describing any suggestion that the National Assembly fixes its own salaries as “uncharitable and satanic.”

The Senate further explained that “the Executive arm of government, through its various Ministries and agencies, is responsible for awarding contracts for the constituency projects. The funds allocated for these projects, vary depending on the number of constituencies in each state and the intention is to ensure that every region of Nigeria benefits from federal resources.”

As the country enters what some describe as a season of political pontificating, Adaramodu assured the public that the 10th Assembly remains a responsible and responsive chamber.

It reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the economy and growth of Nigeria, insisting that it only receives what is constitutionally allocated to it and would never seek additional perks from other branches of government.o

Obasanjo, had during the visit, said: “In your own case, with all due respect, you’re not supposed to fix your salaries. But you decide what you pay yourself, the allowances that you give yourself, new paper allowances. You give yourself all sorts of things, and you know it is not right. It is immoral. You’re doing it, the Senate is doing it, and you beat your chest. In some cases, the executive gives you what you’re not entitled to. You all got N200 million.”