A momentary lapse in caution led to an unexpected revelation by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, sparking outrage and public criticism.
Caught on live camera, Akpabio accidentally disclosed that money had been sent to his fellow senators to “enjoy their holiday.”
“As soon as Senator Umahi takes his oath of office, we shall rearrange the office of the leadership.”
“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.
Realising what was at stake, a senator rushed to him to make him realise that he was on air.
In his response, Akpabio said, “I withdraw that statement. 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.”
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It’s not clear the amount that was sent to the lawmakers as their salaries and allowances are shrouded in secrecy.
However, the development comes amid the nationwide hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, which led to the price of fuel hitting N613 per litre from N197 per litre when the new government came in at the end of May.
Nigerians are currently reacting to the video, lamenting how the leaders asked the masses to make sacrifices while they carry on with extravagance.
When President Bola Tinubu forwarded a bill to amend the 2022 Supplementary Act to the National Assembly, N70 billion was approved to “support the working conditions” of new lawmakers.
While N19 billion was approved for farmers who suffered the devastating effect of the 2022 floods across the country.
The “enjoyment allowance” saga is one of the controversies that have rocked Akpabio’s senate presidency, which is just few months.
In July, there was outrage after Akpabio was captured on live TV joking about “Let The Poor Breathe”, a phrase that became popular after an interview granted by President Bola Tinubu.
Although the media office of the senate president made certain clarifications on the incident, Nigerians expressed anger over it.