Boma Achenimie 
Amid several calls by eminent Nigerians that the upper and lower chambers of the 10th National Assembly cut down on governance, the Nigerian Senate has denied allegations that it determined its own salaries and allowances or received special fiscal packages from the Presidency.
The disclaimer was contained in a statement issued by the Senate Spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, in Abuja on Sunday, adding that the 10th Senate has also not received any financial patronage from the presidency.
Also, the Senate clarified that constituency projects which have always been a subject of public discourse are merely suggested and nominated by Senators, following practices common in other democracies worldwide.
New Telegraph reports that the clarification followed the fresh controversies that erupted among lawmakers after a visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
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He said, salaries and allowances paid to Senators have always been allocated to them by the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission, in strict accordance with constitutional provisions and this has been in the public domain.
The statement challenged any Nigerian who has any contrary evidence to come forward, insisting that it was untrue, the allegation that Senators determine their own salaries.
The Senate further explained that “the Executive arm of government, through its various Ministries and agencies, is responsible for awarding contracts for the constituency projects.
“The funds allocated for these projects vary depending on the number of constituencies in each state and the intention is to ensure that every region of Nigeria benefits from federal resources”.
As the country enters what some describe as a “season of political pontificating, Adaramodu assured the public that the 10th Assembly remains a “responsible and responsive chamber.”
It reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the economy and growth of Nigeria, insisting that it only receives what is constitutionally allocated to it and would never seek additional perks from other branches of government.
