The Nigerian Senate has strongly refuted allegations made by former president Olusegun Obasanjo, who accused federal lawmakers of independently setting their own salaries and receiving special financial packages from the Presidency.
In a statement released on Sunday by Senate Spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, the Senate described Obasanjo’s claims as baseless and unfounded. The statement was also posted on the Senate’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Senator Adaramodu emphasized that no member of the Senate has received any financial support or patronage from the Presidency, as alleged by Obasanjo.
He further clarified that the constituency projects often associated with the legislature are merely proposed and nominated by Senators, in line with practices common in democracies around the world.
“The Senate only receives the salary allocated to it by the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission, in strict accordance with constitutional provisions,” Adaramodu said.
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He added that the notion that the National Assembly sets its own salaries is “uncharitable and malicious.”
The Senate challenged anyone with credible evidence to present facts that would contradict their statement, asserting that the allegations against them were both misleading and damaging.
Obasanjo had made his remarks on Friday, August 9, while hosting six members of the House of Representatives at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.
During the meeting, Obasanjo criticized the lawmakers, stating that the practice of setting their own salaries was both immoral and unconstitutional. He accused the executive branch of granting benefits to the legislature that did not rightfully belong to them, noting that federal lawmakers had never refused these benefits.
In response, the Senate explained that the Executive arm of government, through its various ministries and agencies, is responsible for awarding contracts for constituency projects.
The funds allocated for these projects, they said, vary depending on the number of constituencies in each state, with the intention of ensuring that every region of Nigeria benefits from federal resources.
The Senate’s response also pointed out that these projects are part of a democratic practice meant to ensure equitable development across the country, rather than a means for lawmakers to enrich themselves.
Despite the Senate’s rebuttal, Obasanjo’s accusations have sparked widespread debate about the transparency and accountability of Nigeria’s lawmakers.
The former president also called on President Bola Tinubu to address the demands of the youth, stating that their concerns were legitimate and deserving of attention
As the controversy continues, the public awaits further developments, with many watching to see if any credible evidence will be brought forward to support or refute the claims made by Obasanjo.