ABEOKUTA, Nigeria — David Aderinokun, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for the Ogun Central Senatorial District, stirred controversy on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, when he opined that the N2 million holiday allowance given to senators was too meager.
Aderinokun made this known through a post on his verified X handle on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.
“The 2m that was given to senators isn’t a big deal. It is even too small for a senator. What can a family man do with 2m Naira ($2k). Why are we making it a big deal,” he wrote. He, however, acknowledged that making the allowance public was “a bit insensitive to the plight of Nigerians.”
The 2m that was given to senators isn’t a big deal. It is even too small for a senator. What can a family man do with 2m Naira($2k). Why are we making it a big deal. But they shouldn't have made it public. Making it public is a bit insensitive to plight of Nigerians.
— David O Aderinokun (@daderinokun) August 15, 2023
His comments come after a recent statement by Senate President Godwill Akpabio.
During a special plenary session focused on the screening and confirmation of President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominees, Akpabio had announced that senators had received a financial gift for their annual 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 initially remarked.
This disclosure, however, was met with notable disapproval from the attending senators.
Responding to the palpable discontent, Akpabio rephrased his statement: “In order to enjoy your holidays, the Senate President has sent prayers to your mailboxes to assist you to go on a safe journey and return.”
Aderinokun’s stance on the matter is expected to fuel further debates on the appropriateness of senators’ allowances and the transparency of legislative financial matters in the country.
Senate President Akpabio in Hot Water Over ‘Holiday Enjoyment’ Allowance Announcement
Senate President Godswill Akpabio is facing backlash after inadvertently revealing that funds had been distributed to his colleagues “to enjoy your holiday”, a comment he made live on camera during a Senate session on Wednesday, August 9, 2023.
Akpabio’s slip came as he was outlining plans following Senator Umahi’s anticipated oath of office.
The revelation has caused a furor, particularly given the country’s current economic strain due to a sharp rise in fuel prices following the removal of fuel subsidies.
Many Nigerians have taken to social media and other platforms to voice their outrage, seeing this as another instance of leaders living luxuriously while asking the general population to make financial sacrifices.
This incident is not the first controversy for Akpabio since assuming the Senate presidency.
He was embroiled in a public outcry only a month ago after a comment he made on live TV, referencing President Bola Tinubu’s infamous “Let The Poor Breathe” remark.
The Senate president’s media office attempted to clarify the matter, but public anger persisted.
This latest “enjoyment allowance” saga, coupled with the preceding controversies, puts Akpabio’s leadership and the Senate under intense scrutiny, further eroding trust in an already skeptical public.
The disparity between the provisions made for lawmakers versus those for flood-affected farmers has further deepened this divide.
The government’s decision to increase the cost of fuel, which has almost tripled since the new government’s inception in May, combined with these recent controversies, paints a picture of a nation grappling with economic hardships while its leaders appear out of touch with the everyday struggles of their constituents.
