Senate Tackles Fmr. President Obasanjo, Denies Fixing Members Salaries

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Senate has explained that the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission, (RMFC) is responsible for fixing of salaries and other entitlements of members.

The Senate denied allegations that it is involved in setting its own salaries or receiving special fiscal packages from the Presidency.

These claims, which surfaced following a visit by members of the House of Representatives to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, have sparked significant public debate.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Senate Spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), dismissed the allegations as an attempt to “crucify the Legislature by the centurions of political hypocrisy.”

Adaramodu emphasized that no Senator has received financial favors from the Presidency. He explained that the constituency projects often associated with the legislature are suggested and nominated by Senators, a practice that is common in other democracies.

He pointed out that the Senate receives only the salary allocated by the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission, in strict adherence to constitutional provisions.

Adaramodu challenged anyone with credible evidence to provide contrary facts, condemning any suggestion that the National Assembly sets its own salaries as “uncharitable and satanic.”

He further noted that the Executive branch, through its various ministries and agencies, is responsible for awarding contracts for constituency projects.

“These funds vary based on the number of constituencies in each state, with the goal of ensuring that every region benefits from federal resources.”