Yemi Adaramodu, spokesperson of the Nigerian Senate, has clarified that no member of the National Assembly will receive any money from the N70 billion budget earmarked for their working conditions. In a statement, Adaramodu explained that the fund is intended for the purchase of furniture and to carry out repairs in lawmakers’ offices.
The N70 billion allocation, which was included in an amendment to the 2022 supplementary budget, drew criticism from many Nigerians. They pointed out that President Bola Tinubu had sought and received approval to borrow $800 million to provide financial support to households affected by the removal of subsidy on petroleum motor spirit (PMS).
Adaramodu refuted claims that the budget was “padded” to accommodate the N70 billion allocation, asserting that the lawmakers were merely fulfilling their constitutional duty. He stated that the funds would not be paid to any legislator but managed by the National Assembly bureaucracy.
The spokesperson also emphasized that the National Assembly complex houses not only legislators but also thousands of workers and service providers whose working environment requires attention and necessary tools.
Adaramodu concluded by stating that the alleged padding of the palliative budget by the National Assembly is unfounded and exists only in the minds of those seeking to discredit the 10th assembly. He refuted the term “padding” being used by some misinformed media outfits.
