President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Monday immediately retracted himself after revealing that money has been sent to senators to ‘enjoy their recess’.
The upper legislative chamber had concluded the screening and confirmation of President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominees, while Akpabio also announced the composition of the standing committees of the Senate.
Thereafter, the senators 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,” he said.
As seen in the video, the senate president was quickly informed by his colleagues that he was speaking before 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.
Video: Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio announces on live television that the leadership of the Senate has sent money to Senators to help them ‘enjoy their holiday’, shortly after an uproar, he withdraws the statement, saying instead that the leadership sent them prayers. pic.twitter.com/H7m0Bclln9
— Osun Defender (@OsunDefender) August 9, 2023
Watch the video HERE.
