POLITICS

Senators Consider action against Akpabio over utterances: Ndume.

Published

9 months ago

August 13, 2023

Stella Charles Akupue

The Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, has declared that they (Senators) plan to take drastic action against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for mistakenly disclosing that a ‘holiday allowance’ had been sent to senators’ bank accounts.

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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, “To enable all of us to enjoy our holidays, the Clerk of the National Assembly sent a token to our various accounts.

Senators May Sanction Akpabio over Unguarded Comments, Says Ndume – Legal Attorney Blog

“I withdraw that statement. 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.”

Senators Consider action against Akpabio over utterances: Ndume.

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; it is nothing unusual or unique.

“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 extraordinary or vast amounts of money. What’s the big deal if I receive an 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.

“We plan to take drastic action against him if he continues making unguarded statements and acting as if we are kids.”