…Says executive arm responsible for contract awards
…Describes OBJ’s claims as ‘uncharitable and satanic’
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Senate has denied allegations made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that lawmakers determine their own salaries and receive special fiscal packages from the Presidency.
In a statement on Sunday, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, described the allegations as an attempt to “crucify the legislature by the centurions of political hypocrisy.”
Adaramodu emphasised that no Senator has received any financial patronage from the Presidency and clarified that constituency projects are merely suggested and nominated by Senators, following practices common in other democracies worldwide.
“Look at your case, with all due respect,” Obasanjo had said on Friday when he hosted some members of the House of Representatives in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He argued that it was the duty of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC) to determine what public officeholders earn.
Adaramodu responded, “To set the record straight, 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.”
The Senate further explained that the Executive arm of government, through its various Ministries and agencies, is responsible for awarding contracts for constituency projects.
“The funds allocated for these projects vary depending on the number of constituencies in each state, and the intention is to ensure that every region of Nigeria benefits from federal resources,” Adaramodu said.
As the country enters a “season of political pontificating,” Adaramodu assured the public that the 10th Assembly remains a responsible and responsive chamber, committed to upholding the economy and growth of Nigeria.
“We only receive what is constitutionally allocated to us and would never seek additional perks from other branches of government,” he insisted.