Shehu Sani, a former senator from Kaduna, says legislators
are usually paid discreetly away from public scrutiny.
Sani was reacting to a gaffe recently suffered by Senate
President Godswill Akpbio when he announced to the lawmakers that they have
been paid to enjoy their recess.
On Monday, the upper legislative chamber concluded the
screening and confirmation of the ministerial nominees recommended by President
Bola Tinubu.
The senators, after the exercise, adjourned the plenary to
September 26.
Addressing his colleagues before the adjournment motion was
moved, Akpabio said money has been sent by Magaji Tambuwal, clerk of the
national assembly, to the senators to “enjoy” their holidays.
“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,”
Akpabio had said.
The senate president was promptly alerted by his colleagues
that he was speaking on live television and press cameras.
Upon realising the magnitude of his remarks, Akpabio swiftly
beat a retreat.
“I withdraw that statement,” he said.
“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 off-the-cuff comment raises further questions
about the allocation of funds to lawmakers.
The salaries and allowances of federal lawmakers are often
shrouded in secrecy.
In a tweet on Wednesday, Sani, who was a senator between
2015 and 2019, said Akpabio mistakenly brought the matter into the spotlight.
“Crediting the legislators’ accounts are done under the mute
button, the uncommon senate president mistakenly pressed the alarm,” he wrote.
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