Senate threatens action against Akpabio over holiday allowance remark

There is an ongoing plan by the Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to take a drastic action against
Akpabio over his recent holiday allowance remark, during a live broadcast at the Red Chamber.

Senator Ali Ndume, member representing Borno South has revealed plans by senators to take serious action against the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio if he continues to make unbecoming remarks.

It would be recalled that on Monday, shortly after the red carpet chamber concluded the screening and confirmation of President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominees, thereafter, the senators adjourned plenary to September 26.

While addressing his colleagues before the adjournment motion was moved, Akpabio said money has been sent by Magaji Tambuwal, clerk of the national assembly, to the senators to “enjoy” their holidays.

“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.

Immediately, Senator Akpabio was informed by his colleagues that he was speaking before live television and press cameras.

“I withdraw that statement,” he said.

But speaking during an interview with the BBC Hausa service on Friday, Senator Ndume who is the Chief Whip of the Senate said Mr Akpabio’s comments are unbecoming of a leader.

He said the money received was their statutory entitlement and nothing special.

“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 two million naira. 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 two million naira allowance in my capacity as a senator?

“He made a very wrong statement, and I warned him immediately that his comments were unbecoming of an elder.

“In fact, we are even planning to take drastic action against him if he continues making unguarded statements and acting as if we are kids.”