By Milcah Tanimu

The Nigerian Senate has refuted claims that it determines its own salaries or receives special fiscal benefits from the Presidency. Senate Spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, labeled these allegations as “sordid and telltale assertions” in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.

Adaramodu criticized the rumors that surfaced following a visit by some House of Representatives members to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He clarified that the Senate’s salaries are strictly governed by allocations set by the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMFAC), and that senators do not have the authority to set their own pay.

The Senate spokesman challenged anyone with contrary evidence to come forward, dismissing the claims as attempts to undermine the legislature through political hypocrisy. He further emphasized that no senator has received any monetary benefits from the Presidency.

Adaramodu explained that any projects associated with senators are not funded by them directly but are part of a broader federal budget managed by the executive branch. The contracts for such projects are awarded by relevant ministries and agencies, not by individual legislators.

He reassured the public that the 10th Senate is committed to its responsibilities and does not seek additional perks from other government branches. The Senate, according to Adaramodu, remains dedicated to contributing positively to Nigeria’s economic and national growth.