The Senate has firmly denied allegations that it plays a role in determining its own salaries or receiving any special fiscal packages from the Presidency.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Senate Spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, labelled the accusations as “sordid and telltale assertions.”
Senator Adaramodu expressed the Senate’s shock at the claims, which surfaced during a visit by members of the House of Representatives to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He clarified that the Senate’s salaries are solely determined by the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMFAC), as per constitutional provisions.
“The Nigerian Senate is petrified by the tattling story of determining its own salaries and receiving a special fiscal package from the Presidency,” Adaramodu stated.
“We challenge anyone who is privileged, either in a qualified or absolute position, to bring forth any contrary fact.”
Adaramodu emphasised that neither the senators nor the National Assembly have the authority to fix their salaries.
He dismissed any suggestions to the contrary as uncharitable and an attempt to undermine the legislative body.
Furthermore, the Senate Spokesman addressed the issue of constituency projects, explaining that these projects are not for the legislators themselves.
Instead, they are suggested and nominated by the legislators, with the executive arm of government responsible for awarding contracts and ensuring project implementation through relevant ministries and agencies.
“The mischievously touted consistency projects are not for the legislators. They are only suggested and nominated by the legislators in accordance with the practice in other democracies worldwide,” he explained.
Adaramodu concluded by asserting that the 10th Senate is a responsible and responsive chamber that adheres strictly to constitutional allocations and would never seek additional perks from other arms of government.
“It thus receives only what the relevant agency of government constitutionally allocates to it. And would never solicit for extra ludicrous perks from the other arms of government,” he assured.
