Stop mischief, N2m payment to senators is for running cost – CNA
By Tunde Opalana
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Magaji Tambuwal has refuted insinuation that a sum of two million naira (N2,000,000) paid to each senator was meant for holiday allowance.
Wide condemnation had greeted announcement made last week Monday by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio that the Clerk to the National Assembly had credited their respective bank accounts to enjoy their recess.
Though Alpabio publicly withdrew the announcement, there was a viral statement of account indicating that certain senator was paid two million naira.
Setting the record straight, the office of the Clerk said the two million paid is part of the running cost meant for the office of the lawmakers.
Dr. Ali Umoru Secretary, Research & Information on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly said there is the need to clarify the persistent misunderstanding .
In a statement Tuesday, Dr. Umoru noted that “the Two million Naira is part of the running cost of the office of each senator as provided for in the 2023 budget.”
The National Assembly management further clarified that “allocation for running costs is not a new development; it has been a standard practice. These funds are utilized to facilitate various activities that directly contribute to effective representation, legislative activities and other initiatives aimed at serving the interests of the people.
“For the avoidance of doubt, and for emphasis, the said allowances were budgeted for in the 2023 Appropriation Act as part of the running cost of the office of each Senator of the 10th Assembly. The allowances are therefore an entitlement and not a privilege or largesse distributed to the Senators.
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“However, given the wrong impression the subject matter has created, it has become imperative to make this clarification and put the records straight.
The office of the Clerk said “the National Assembly remains committed to transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. We appreciate the continued support and understanding of the Nigerian people as we work together to uphold the principles of democracy and good governance.”
