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Published on 2024-03-17 04:45:27
Ali Ndume, the Chief Whip of the Senate, recently revealed that high-ranking senators receive a higher allocation for constituency projects in their senatorial districts compared to floor members in the National Assembly. This revelation came in response to allegations made by Senator Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe, who claimed that some senators received about N500 million each for constituency projects in the 2024 budget.
Ndume made this disclosure during an interview on Channels Television, where he stated that each senator receives N200 million for constituency projects, with ranking senators receiving even more. This disparity in project allocation has raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the budget allocation process.
The allegations of budget padding and mismanagement were brought to light by Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, the former chairman of the northern senators’ forum. This has sparked a debate within the Senate regarding the proper allocation of funds for constituency projects.
High-ranking senators, such as the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, and other leadership positions, are among those who receive a higher allocation for constituency projects. The allocation of funds for these projects is meant to support community development and address the needs of constituents.
Among the senators who are speculated to have received up to N500 million for constituency projects are Godswill Akpabio, the current Senate President. Akpabio represents Akwa Ibom North-West and is a two-term governor of the state. Jibrin Barau, the Deputy Senate President, represents Kano North and has been in the Senate since 1999. Opeyemi Bamidele, the Majority Leader, represents Ekiti Central and has been in the Senate since 2019. Abba Moro, who replaced former Senate President David Mark, represents Benue North-East and serves as the chairman of the governing council of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
Ali Ndume, the Chief Whip of the Senate and representative of Borno South, has also been mentioned as one of the high-ranking senators who receive a significant allocation for constituency projects. Ndume has been vocal about the need for transparency and accountability in the allocation of funds for development projects.
The issue of budget padding and mismanagement within the Senate has raised concerns among the public and calls for greater oversight and accountability in the allocation of funds for constituency projects. It is essential for senators to utilize these funds effectively to address the needs of their constituents and promote community development.
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