Akpabio’s comment on recess allowance misinterpreted to blackmail Senators —Group

National Assembly Legislative Support Group on Wednesday said mischief makers are misinterpreting the Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s comments on statutory payments to federal lawmakers.

The Senate President had while addressing his colleagues before they adjourned plenary to September 26 for their annual long recess, said money has been sent by the Clerk of the National Assembly, CNA, Magaji Tambawal

to the senators to “enjoy” their holidays.

Since then the video has gone viral with many people condemning the parliament.

Reacting to the backlash, the National Assembly Support Group in a statement said mischief makers are misconstruing the statement with the aim to tarnish senators image.

The statement signed by Umeh Faith, Kabiru Yusuf, Fidelis Sunday, respectively, said the Senate President was referring to payment of their salaries, allowances,  and accommodation fees as espoused in the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission Act.

It, therefore, appealed to the public not to misconstrue the statement, adding that the method of communicating the message was jovial which made people misunderstood him.

The Senate had on Monday concluded the screening and confirmation of 45 out of 48 ministerial nominees forwarded to it by President Bola Tinubu.