By Milcah Tanimu

A tumultuous session unfolded in the Senate following Senator Jarigbe Jarigbe’s (PDP, Cross-River North) revelation that all ranking senators received the sum of N500 million. The disclosure came during the debate on the motion on breach of privilege, raised by Senator Olamilekan Adeola, who invoked orders 9, 10, 41, and 51 against Senator Abdul Ningi.

The controversy stemmed from Ningi’s recent interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (Hausa Services), where he alleged a disparity between the budget passed by the National Assembly for the 2024 fiscal year (₦25 trillion) and the one implemented by the Presidency (₦28.7 trillion). Ningi further claimed that ₦3 trillion was surreptitiously inserted into the budget for projects without specified locations, characterizing it as the highest level of budget padding in Nigerian history under Senator Akpabio’s oversight.

Senator Jarigbe addressed the issue, stating that the missing ₦3.7 trillion, as alleged by Senator Abdul Ningi, had been clarified under the Government Owned Enterprises and first line charge. He added a personal note, asserting, “After all, all the ranking senators got N500 million each. I am a ranking senator and I didn’t get.”

This revelation sparked a rowdy session in the Senate, creating a chaotic atmosphere. The development adds complexity to the ongoing discussions surrounding the budget and raises concerns about transparency and accountability in government financial matters.