Adebayo Adenrele
Indication emerged on monday that the Senators may take drastic actions against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio for disclosing the #218 million meant for law makers’ holiday allowances to the general public.
NEWSTODAYNG recalled that after the screening and confirmation of the ministerial nominees, the Senate President informed senators that some money had been credited to their bank accounts to enjoy their vacation, which began on 7 August.
His announcement triggered public criticisms among Nigerians especially, after the senators admitted that each of them received N2 million as allowance for seven weeks’ holiday allowance, which will end on 26 September.
While speaking with newsmen, the Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume said Akpabio is the root of the controversy, scolding that he shouldn’t have given an impression as if the package was special.
The senator representing Borno North, blamed the senate president for disclosing details of the holiday allowance to the public, saying it was like an allowance an employee is paid while going on leave.
In his words, “All senators received two million naira. And I am making this comment with a heavy heart because he (Akpabio) is the cause of this.
“It’s common knowledge that if any employee is going on leave, he or she is entitled to a leave grant. That was the money we received, and it is nothing unusual or special.
“All senators received two million naira. And I am making this comment with a heavy heart because he (Akpabio) is the cause of this controversy.
“He created an impression as if we were given some special or huge amounts of money. What’s the big deal if I receive two million naira allowance in my capacity as a senator.
“He made a very wrong statement, and I warned him immediately that his comments were unbecoming of an elder.
“In fact, we are even planning to take drastic action against him if he continues making unguarded statements and acting as if we are kids”
It was also gathered that the allowance was illegal as it is not provided for in the remuneration package approved by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), which is the body authorised by law to prepare salaries and allowances for public servants.
