EXTRA: Senators get credit alerts secretly — but Akpabio pressed the alarm, says Shehu Sani

Shehu Sani, a former senator from Kaduna, says legislators are usually paid discreetly away from public scrutiny.

Sani was reacting to a gaffe recently suffered by Senate President Godswill Akpbio when he announced to the lawmakers that they have been paid to enjoy their recess.

On Monday, the upper legislative chamber concluded the screening and confirmation of the ministerial nominees recommended by President Bola Tinubu. 

The senators, after the exercise, 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,” Akpabio had said.

The senate president was promptly alerted by his colleagues that he was speaking on 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.

In a tweet on Wednesday, Sani, who was a senator between 2015 and 2019, said Akpabio mistakenly brought the matter into the spotlight.

“Crediting the legislators’ accounts are done under the mute button, the uncommon senate president mistakenly pressed the alarm,” he wrote.

Crediting the Legislators accounts are done under mute button,the Uncommon Senate President mistakenly pressed the alarm.

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— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) August 9, 2023