The management of the National Assembly has clarified that the N2 million “enjoyment allowance” disbursed to Senators before their recess was accounted for in the 2023 budget.
During a live television session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio inadvertently disclosed the transfer of a “token” to senators’ accounts. Despite retracting his statement, the video had already ignited a social media frenzy.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the National Assembly management asserted that the funds constituted a component of the senators’ running costs.
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The statement read: “The Management of the National Assembly has noted the persistent misconstrual and misconceptions regarding the disbursement of a N2,000,000.00 (Two million naira) allowance to each senator.
“It is imperative to recognize that this Two million Naira forms part of the operational expenses allotted to each senator’s office as stipulated in the 2023 budget.
“It is important to emphasize that the allocation for operational costs is not novel; it has been a standard procedure. These funds are utilized to facilitate diverse activities that directly contribute to effective representation, legislative tasks, and other endeavors that serve the best interests of the populace.
“To dispel any uncertainty and for additional clarity, the aforementioned allowances were adequately allocated for in the 2023 Appropriation Act as a segment of the operational costs for the office of each Senator within the 10th Assembly. The allowances, therefore, constitute a rightful entitlement and are not merely privileges or gratuitous benefits disbursed to the Senators.
“The National Assembly is resolute in upholding transparency and accountability in the administration of public funds.
“We extend our gratitude for the continuous support and understanding of the Nigerian populace as we collaboratively strive to uphold the tenets of democracy and effective governance,” the management conveyed through a statement endorsed on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly by the Secretary of Research & Information, Dr. Ali B. Umoru.
