Senator Sumaila seeks public disclosure of financial entitlements of NASS members

The senator representing Kano South, Kawu Sumaila, has asked Nigerians to join him in his advocacy to ensure the full disclosure of the statutory entitlements and other benefits enjoyed by members and presiding officers of the National Assembly.

Mr Sumaila, who made the appeal on Sunday, noted that the recent public disclosure of their holiday allowance by Senate President Godswill Akpabio has caused them psychological distress.

The senator, therefore, called on critical stakeholders to join forces to demand remuneration, operational costs, budget allocation to the office of presiding officers, vehicle expenses, and other benefits to the public.

While stressing that undertaking such action would enhance the effectiveness of the oversight function of the legislative arm, Mr Sumaila insisted that the action remains most practical approach for Nigeria to take the legislators seriously.

The statement read: “As we recover from the psychological distress caused by the disclosure of our disputed holiday allowance by the president of the senate during the plenary session on August 7, 2023, some of us remain steadfast in advancing the Senate President’s initiative to reveal the National Assembly’s financial affairs to the general public. As a result, we sincerely urge all stakeholders to join forces with us.

“The most practical approach for Nigeria to take us seriously entails subjecting ourselves to public scrutiny.

“We have an obligation to address several inquiries, starting with our remuneration, the operational costs of our offices, the expenses related to our vehicles, and the budget allocation for the Office of the Presiding and principal officers, along with their supporting staff and associated vehicles.

“Undertaking this action will considerably enhance the effectiveness of our oversight function.”

Senator Sumaila seeks public disclosure of financial entitlements of NASS members.

The senator representing Kano South, Kawu Sumaila, has asked Nigerians to join him in his advocacy to ensure the full disclosure of the statutory entitlements and other benefits enjoyed by members and presiding officers of the National Assembly.

Mr Sumaila, who made the appeal on Sunday, noted that the recent public disclosure of their holiday allowance by Senate President Godswill Akpabio has caused them psychological distress.

The senator, therefore, called on critical stakeholders to join forces to demand remuneration, operational costs, budget allocation to the office of presiding officers, vehicle expenses, and other benefits to the public.

While stressing that undertaking such action would enhance the effectiveness of the oversight function of the legislative arm, Mr Sumaila insisted that the action remains most practical approach for Nigeria to take the legislators seriously.

The statement read: “As we recover from the psychological distress caused by the disclosure of our disputed holiday allowance by the president of the senate during the plenary session on August 7, 2023, some of us remain steadfast in advancing the Senate President’s initiative to reveal the National Assembly’s financial affairs to the general public. As a result, we sincerely urge all stakeholders to join forces with us.

“The most practical approach for Nigeria to take us seriously entails subjecting ourselves to public scrutiny.

“We have an obligation to address several inquiries, starting with our remuneration, the operational costs of our offices, the expenses related to our vehicles, and the budget allocation for the Office of the Presiding and principal officers, along with their supporting staff and associated vehicles.

“Undertaking this action will considerably enhance the effectiveness of our oversight function.”