Senator Abdul Ningi has stated that certain senators have received N2 million as holiday money, despite the fact that he is yet to receive his.
Recall that Senate President Godswill Akpabio was caught on camera during plenary on Tuesday, August 8, urging Senators to expect a “token” to allow them to enjoy their recess.
“In order for all of us to enjoy our holidays, the Clerk of the National Assembly has sent a token to our various accounts,” Akpabio stated as the MPs finished the ministerial screening.
His remark sparked reactions from Nigerians, with many criticizing the Senators for living extravagantly at a time when many Nigerians are struggling and dealing with the economic hardship caused by the loss of gasoline subsidies.
Senator Ningi of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) verified to Channels TV that some lawmakers received allowances, as described by Akpabio.
“Nothing has arrived on my account yet. I heard that some individuals received N2m, but I have yet to receive it. Hopefully [I’ll get] when they tidy up,” he remarked.
Senator Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central in the Senate, slammed Senator Akpabio’s remark, calling it unprecedented.
“Some of these things, if they happen, aren’t broadcasted the way he did. It is an embarrassment to the Senate President as a person and to the National Assembly as an institution, in my opinion. The Senate President should have gone on to explain why the allowances exist. How did he get the allowances? Who made the payments? Is it included in the pay?”
Senator Ningi said that people are upset about the comment, and he, like many Nigerians, finds it “difficult to take.”
“I’m not sure what N2m would do for a vacation. I’m not sure I understand what this money is for,” he stated.
He claims that when the senators return to work, they will need to know what the money is for because they do not receive a recess allowance.
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