The representative of Bauchi Central senatorial district, Abdul Ningi, has shed light on the amount lawmakers received as a ‘token’ during recess.
Ningi shared that certain legislators received N2 million as a recess grant.
Despite this, Ningi mentioned that he hasn’t yet received his portion.
Senate President’s Controversial Statement
Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, was recently captured in a video stating that a ‘token’ had been dispatched to the senators to enhance their break.
Akpabio elaborated, “In order to enable all of us to enjoy our holidays, a token has been sent to our various accounts by the Clerk of the National Assembly.”
This statement by Akpabio, which he later retracted, sparked a significant debate online.
Senator Ningi’s Reaction to the Development
After Akpabio’s revelation, Senator Ningi confirmed that several of his colleagues had indeed received the mentioned allowance.
In a conversation with Channels TV, Ningi revealed, “Nothing has come to my account yet.
I heard that some people got N2m but for me, nothing yet.
Hopefully [I would get], when they tidy up things.”
Ningi expressed his disapproval of Akpabio’s comments, categorizing them as unique and unorthodox.
PDP Chieftain’s Perspective on the Issue
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader highlighted that such information shouldn’t be publicly broadcasted as Akpabio did.
“I think it is a huge embarrassment to the Senate President as a person and to the institution of the National Assembly.
The Senate President should have gone further to say what the allowances are for.
How did he come about the allowances? Who gave the allowances? Is it part of the remuneration?” said the PDP chieftain.
Nigerians’ Reservations on the Matter
Echoing the sentiments of many Nigerians, Senator Ningi voiced that the public is displeased with Akpabio’s remarks.
He confessed, “I don’t know what N2m would do for a holiday.
I find it very difficult to understand what this money is for.”
Ningi emphasized that clarity is needed on the purpose of this allowance, especially since senators aren’t typically entitled to a recess grant.
