In a recent video posted by SYMFONI, former President Olusegun Obasanjo confronted federal lawmakers over allegations of unauthorized financial allocations.
Addressing the legislators, Obasanjo stated, “Well, that’s alright. You can say anything. I heard it from the horse’s mouth. You can deny it, that’s alright but I heard it from those who got it and who told me they got it.
If you didn’t get it, then maybe your case is different. Don’t tell me what I know. Your member who got it told me they got it.”
This assertion aligns with Obasanjo’s earlier criticisms where he accused members of the National Assembly of independently determining their salaries and allowances, a practice he described as both immoral and unconstitutional.
He emphasized that such actions undermine the integrity of the legislative process.
In response, the Nigerian Senate expressed shock and dismay at Obasanjo’s allegations.
Senate Spokesman Yemi Adaramodu refuted the claims asserting that the Senate does not have the authority to determine its own salaries.
He clarified that legislators receive salaries allocated by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, in strict accordance with constitutional provisions.
Adaramodu challenged anyone with credible evidence to present contrary facts, describing suggestions that the National Assembly fixes its own salaries as “uncharitable and satanic.”
Kindly watch video here from 0:33.
This discrepancy has sparked public outrage with many Nigerians calling for greater transparency and accountability in the remuneration of public officials.
The debate underscores the need for a comprehensive review of the compensation structure for lawmakers to ensure alignment with constitutional provisions and public expectations.
As the discourse continues, it highlights the importance of checks and balances in governance to prevent the abuse of power and ensure that public officials act in the nation’s best interest.