Senate President Godswill Akpabio caused a stir on Wednesday when he inadvertently announced on live television that the clerk of the National Assembly had sent money to senators to enable them enjoy their holiday.
Senators are going on recess to resume in September.
“As soon as Senator Umahi takes his oath of office, we shall rearrange the office of the leadership.
“In order to enable all of us to enjoy our holidays, a token has been sent to our various accounts by the Clerk of the National Assembly,” he said.
Akpabio who was apparently oblivious of the fact that the session was being transmitted live or forgot, continued speaking even when his colleagues tried to draw his attention to what was an apparent gaffe.
When he realised the import of what he had said and that he may have said it at the wrong time, after one of his colleagues went to his seat to inform him that he was live on air, Akpabio withdrew the statement, saying what the Clerk had sent to senators’ mailboxes was prayers.
“I withdraw that statement. In order to allow you to enjoy your holiday, the senate president has sent prayers to your mailboxes to assist you to go on a safe journey and return.”
The revelation has drawn the ire of citizens, many if who took to social media platforms to accuse the Senate of being insensitive of the plight of Nigerians at a time suffering had been exacerbated as a result of removal of subsidy on petrol.
