The management of the National Assembly on Tuesday explained that the N2 million paid to Senators at the inception of their annual vacation was part of their statutory running cost.
The clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Magaji Tambawal disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.
Tambawal in the statement signed on his behalf by the secretary of research and information to the National Assembly, Ali Umoru, said the allowances were not a largesse but the entitlement of each senator.
The statement reads,
“The attention of the management of the National Assembly has been drawn to the persistent mischaracterization and misunderstanding of the payment of an N2, 000,000.00 allowance to each senator.
“It should be noted that the N2 million is part of the running cost of the office of each senator as provided for in the 2023 budget.
“The allocation for running costs is not a new development; it has been standard practice.
“These funds are utilized to facilitate various activities that directly contribute to effective representation, legislative activities and other initiatives aimed at serving the interests of the people.
“For the avoidance of doubt, and for emphasis, the said allowances were budgeted for in the 2023 Appropriation Act as part of the running cost of the office of each Senator of the 10th Assembly.
“The allowances are therefore an entitlement and not a privilege or largesse distributed to the Senators.
“However, given the wrong impression the subject matter has created, it has become imperative to make this clarification and put the records straight.
“The National Assembly remains committed to transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
“We appreciate the continued support and understanding of the Nigerian people as we work together to uphold the principles of democracy and good governance.”
