The Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, has declared that they (Senators) are planning on taking drastic action against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for mistakenly disclosing that a ‘holiday allowance’ had been sent to senators’ bank accounts.
Akpabio had on Monday before the Senate adjourned for its annual recess, told his colleagues that money had been sent to them to “enjoy” their holiday.
The Senate President said, “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.
“I withdraw that statement. In order to allow you to enjoy your holiday, the Senate President has sent prayers to your mailboxes to assist you to go on a safe journey and return.”
Akpabio’s comment was greeted by criticisms from Nigerians berating the senators for feeding fat on the nation’s treasury.
The controversies forced some lawmakers to admit that it was only N2m that was paid to them as leave allowance and not some outrageous amount.
In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, Senator Ndume blamed Akpabio’s public disclosure for the unwarranted attacks on the lawmakers.
He said, “It’s common knowledge that if any employee is going on leave, he/she is entitled to a leave grant. That was the money we received, and it is nothing unusual or special.
“All senators received N2 million. And I am making this comment with a heavy heart because he (Akpabio) is the cause of this controversy.”
The Borno South lawmaker added, “He created an impression as if we were given some special or huge amounts of money. What’s the big deal if I receive N2 million 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 a drastic action against him if he continues making unguarded statements and acting as if we are kids.”
