The Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, has lashed out at Senate President Godswill Akpabio over what he described as ‘unguarded comments’ that are unbecoming of a leader.
Recall that while addressing his fellow senators on Monday before proceeding on annual recess, Mr Akpabio said a token has been sent to the lawmakers to enable them to “enjoy their holidays”. Upon realising that he was on live TV, the Senate president immediately withdrew the statement.
The comment elicited wide condemnation from Nigerians, who accused the lawmakers of turning deaf ears to the suffering and hardship in the country.
But speaking during an interview with the BBC Hausa service on Friday, Mr Ndume said Mr Akpabio’s comments are unbecoming of a leader. According to him, the money received was their statutory entitlement and nothing special.
“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 two million naira. And I am making this comment with a heavy heart, because he [Akpabio] is the cause of this controversy.
“He created an impression as if we were given some special or huge amounts of money. What’s the big deal if I receive two million naira 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 drastic action against him if he continues making unguarded statements and acting as if we are kids.
Also speaking, the senator representing Kano South district, Kawu Sumaila, confirmed the receipt of two million naira.
He, however, called for transparency in the budget spending of the National Assembly, saying that would allow the lawmaker to perform their oversight functions optimally.
According to Mr Sumaila, the Senate president’s comments touched on a sensitive issue that has been bordering Nigerians.
“He sent two million naira to our accounts. Now, I want him to come out publicly and explain to Nigerians what the money is about.
“He should also tell Nigerians the total amount of money, so I’m challenging Nigerians to take this up and insist they get full disclosure of the source of the money and the reason for disbursement,” he added.
