The Nigerian Senate has denied allegations that it is involved in determining its own salaries or receiving special financial packages from the Presidency.
These claims, which emerged during a visit by members of the House of Representatives to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, have sparked widespread public debate.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Senate Spokesman Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South) described the allegations as an attempt to “crucify the legislature by the centurions of political hypocrisy.”
Adaramodu emphasized that no Senator has received any financial patronage from the Presidency and clarified that constituency projects linked to the legislature are merely suggested and nominated by Senators, following practices common in other democracies worldwide.
Adaramodu stressed that the Senate only receives the salary allocated to it by the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission, in strict accordance with constitutional provisions. He challenged anyone with credible evidence to present contrary facts, describing any suggestion that the National Assembly fixes its salaries as “uncharitable and satanic.”
Adaramodu further explained that the Executive arm of government, through its various ministries and agencies, is responsible for awarding contracts for constituency projects.
He emphasized that the Senate remains a “responsible and responsive chamber” committed to upholding the economy and growth of Nigeria, and only receives what is constitutionally allocated to it, without seeking additional perks from other branches of government.
