Senate President Godswill Akpabio takes pride in being unique. He labels himself as an uncommon governor, an uncommon minister, an uncommon senator, and now an uncommon Senate President. So, it shouldn’t catch anyone off guard when he makes uncommon statements, including unexpected revelations, even if unintentional and on live television.
Akpabio recently stirred up a commotion when he announced, just before a Senate recess, that the National Assembly’s clerk had disbursed funds to senators for their holiday enjoyment. After realizing the unusual blunder, the Senate President retracted the statement, clarifying that what had been sent to senators’ mailboxes were prayers for a safe journey.
“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,” he explained.
Predictably, this disclosure sparked citizens’ outrage, prompting many to take to social media platforms to mock Akpabio and his colleagues, accusing the Senate of insensitivity to the suffering of Nigerians, especially in the wake of the removal of petrol subsidies. Despite the secrecy surrounding the salaries and allowances of National Assembly members, it has come to light that each senator received N2 million during their recess.
The remuneration package authorised for lawmakers by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMARC) does not include a ‘holiday’ allowance or any provision of that nature, making it reasonable to assert that the ‘holiday’ allowance mentioned by Akpabio is not recognised by the law. Nonetheless, lawmakers are entitled to a recess allowance as stipulated by law, which amounts to 10 percent of each legislator’s annual basic salary, paid once a year.
Could it be that Akpabio was referring to this recess allowance? Was his intention to mention the recess allowance? Then why did he withdraw his statement, if what he said was in accordance with the law?
What was likely meant to earn him praise as an unconventional Senate President has turned, according to reports, into a considerable source of embarrassment for the Senate. Not because they received money, but because something that was intended to remain discreet has now been disclosed. Senators argue that he might have conveyed incorrect impressions with that announcement.
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, reportedly issued a stern warning of “drastic action” against Akpabio for disclosing during a live plenary session that each senator had received a sum to enjoy their recess.
“It’s common knowledge that if any employee is going on leave, he/she is entitled to a leave grant. That was the money we received, and it is nothing unusual or special. All senators received N2 million. And I am making this comment with a heavy heart because he (Akpabio) is the cause of this controversy.
“He created an impression as if we were given some special or huge amounts of money. What’s the big deal if I receive N2 million allowance in my capacity as a senator? remarked Ndume, who also serves as the Senate Chief Whip.
Certainly, there’s nothing inherently wrong. What raises suspicion is the Senate President’s retraction, when he could have simply indicated that the money was provided by statute. Some individuals have suggested that beyond being a mistake, Akpabio’s statement reflects a practice of lawmakers allegedly distributing money amongst themselves at every given opportunity.
It’s been a week, and I have yet to come across any news suggesting that any lawmaker rejected this allowance. Matters like these were central to the campaigns of some senators, especially those in the opposition, who won their elections. One would have expected them to issue a statement, individually or collectively, rejecting Akpabio’s “safe trip” email. However, this hasn’t been the case. Some of them are seemingly throwing their hands up in resignation, acknowledging that there’s little they can do as the minority, ultimately bowing to the majority’s influence.
Could this be a manifestation of the adage “if you can’t beat them, join them”?
As the popular pidgin proverb states, “Who no go, no go know.” This saying essentially emphasizes that only those who have experienced a situation can truly understand it. Perhaps the Senate President should also consider adopting the uncommon virtue of speaking less, given his recent string of gaffes.
Notably, Akpabio had asked the Senate to vote on a prayer to “let the poor breathe” just last week. This led to severe criticism from Nigerians, who perceived his delivery as a mockery of their predicament. It’s indeed a series of missteps too many.
