Senate Refutes Claims of Setting Its Own Salaries

Senate Refutes Claims of Setting Its Own Salaries

On Sunday, August 11, the Senate firmly denied recent media claims that it fixes its own salaries, countering accusations made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Obasanjo had recently criticized federal lawmakers, accusing them of unconstitutionally determining their own emoluments at the nation’s expense.

In a statement, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, clarified that neither the Senate nor the National Assembly has the authority to set their salaries. He described any suggestions to the contrary as “uncharitable and satanic.”

Adaramodu stated, “The Nigerian Senate is alarmed by the false narrative that it determines its own salaries and receives special financial packages from the Presidency. This unfounded assertion was notably highlighted during a visit by some House of Representatives members to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.”

He emphasized that the Senate’s salary is solely determined by the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission, as constitutionally mandated. “The Senators or the National Assembly do not and cannot fix their salaries. Any contrary suggestion is uncharitable and satanic,” Adaramodu added.

He also addressed claims of legislators receiving monetary patronage from the Presidency, calling them baseless. Adaramodu explained that the much-discussed constituency projects are not a form of financial benefit for legislators. Instead, these projects are suggested by lawmakers but executed by the executive arm through various ministries and agencies.

Adaramodu concluded by urging the public to disregard the misinformation, stating that the 10th Senate remains committed to upholding its constitutional duties without engaging in actions that could harm Nigeria’s economy or growth.