N’Assembly Management Corrects Akpabio, Says ‘Token’ for Running Cost, Not Holiday

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The management of the National Assembly, has corrected the gaffe by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, saying the payment of two million naira to each of the 109 senators last week was meant for the running costs of their offices, and not for holidaying.

The clarification which came more than a week after the senators received the controversial money, was made through a statement by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Magaji Tambawal, and signed by the Secretary, Research and Information, Dr. Ali Umoru.

The statement lamented the criticisms that greeted the payment of the money since Akpabio, made it public, shortly before the federal lawmakers embarked on their current annual recess.

It explained that the funds were actually appropriated for in the 2023 national budget, saying: “The attention of the Management of the National Assembly has been drawn to the persistent mischaracterisation and misunderstanding of the payment of a N2,000,000.00  allowance to each  senator.

“It should be 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 allocation for running costs is not a new development; it has been a standard practice.

“These funds are utilised 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. It is  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.

“However, given the wrong impression the subject matter has created, it has become imperative to make this clarification and put the records straight. The National Assembly remains committed to transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.”