“Senate to Obasanjo: N’Assembly Members Don’t Set Their Own Salaries – Claim is Baseless”

The Senate has clarified that it does not have the authority to set its own salaries and allowances, refuting recent claims to the contrary.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently criticized the National Assembly members, stating it was unethical for them to determine their own remuneration.

However, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu responded, calling Obasanjo’s claim both unfair and misleading. He clarified that lawmakers receive only the compensation determined by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), as mandated by law. Adaramodu emphasized that the Senate is not involved in setting its own salaries or receiving any special financial packages from the Presidency.

He further explained that this misconception may have arisen from a recent visit by House of Representatives members to former President Obasanjo. To set the record straight, Adaramodu reiterated that the Senate only receives the constitutionally allocated salary from the RMAFC, challenging anyone with evidence to the contrary to come forward.

Regarding constituency projects, Adaramodu clarified that lawmakers merely nominate projects but are not involved in their execution. The funding for these projects varies based on the number of constituencies in each state, serving as a contribution to the federal budget to ensure equitable distribution of federal resources across the country.

Adaramodu attributed the spread of misinformation to the current political climate, where sensationalism and scaremongering are common. He reassured the public that the Senate remains a responsible and responsive chamber, committed to actions that do not harm the country’s economy.

Also see; “Senate to Obasanjo: N’Assembly Members Don’t Set Their Own Salaries – Claim is Baseless”