AfriqueCAN:
THE Nigerian Senate has denied allegations by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that it determined its own salaries and allowances www.AfriqueCAN.com
The upper legislative chamber in a disclaimer signed by the Senate Spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu added that the 10th Senate has also not received any financial patronage from the presidency as claimed by former President Obasanjo.
Adaramolu also clarified that constituency projects which have always been a subject of public discourse are merely suggested and nominated by Senators, following practices common in other democracies worldwide.
The Senate Spokesman said, salaries and allowances paid to Senators have always been allocated to them by the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission, in strict accordance with constitutional provisions and this has been in the public domain.
The lawmakers however, challenged any Nigerian who has any contrary evidence to come forward, insisting that it was untrue, the allegation that Senators determine their own salaries.
“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” the Senate further said.
As the country enters what some describe as a “season of political pontificating, Adaramodu assures the public that the 10th Assembly remains a “responsible and responsive chamber.”