Forgotten Scandal: 10th Senate President’s Holiday Spree Raises Questions
Ibrahim Abubakar
Nigerians may have a reputation for having short memories when it comes to political scandals, but there are some events that should not be swept under the rug. One such incident occurred at the adjournment of the 10th Senate after the screening of the ministerial list sent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for confirmation. It was a moment that left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Nigerians who were told to endure the challenges brought about by the removal of fuel subsidy.
At the center of this controversy was the Senate President of the 10th Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio. Caught red-handed on national television, he aggravated the pains of most Nigerians who were told to make sacrifices for the nation’s economic stability.
In a shocking statement, Senator Akpabio mentioned that “in other 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.” Such words did not sit well with the majority of the senators, and the Senate President was quickly brought to order. He attempted to backtrack, claiming that “I withdraw that statement, in other to allow you to enjoy your holidays, the Senate President has sent prayers to your mail boxes to assist you to go on a safe journey and return.”
However, the damage was done. Some senators revealed that a substantial sum of 2,000,000 Naira (two million Naira) was given to each of the 109 senators, totaling a staggering two hundred and eighteen million Naira (218,000,000). This money was allocated for the senators to enjoy themselves, while ordinary Nigerians continued to bear the brunt of the nation’s economic instability.
The revelations were not just shameful; they raised serious questions about the integrity of the Senate President and the transparency of the legislative process. Nigerians were left wondering about the source of this holiday spree and whether Senator Godswill Akpabio had been installed as Senate President due to his alleged corrupt practices. It was a worrying sign of the deep-rooted corruption that had seeped into the highest echelons of government.
As concerned citizens, we must demand answers. Senators of the 10th National Assembly bear a responsibility to the Nigerian people. They should vigorously question the Senate President about the source of these funds and whether they were used to further entrench corruption within the system. It is imperative that they hold their colleagues accountable and ensure that public funds are not squandered in such a reckless manner.
Nigerians are eagerly awaiting the voices of some senators to rise vehemently against this corruption that unfolded on national television. There is no better way to prevent the misappropriation of our collective funds than for the representatives we send to the national level to be held accountable. It is well-known that these senators are more financially capable than vulnerable Nigerians on the streets, and they must act in the best interests of the nation, rather than their personal gain.
This scandal that unfolded at the adjournment of the 10th Senate is a stark reminder that accountability and transparency are essential in our democracy. It is a call to action for all Nigerians to demand that their elected representatives act in their best interests and uphold the principles of integrity and honesty. The Senate President’s holiday spree should not fade into obscurity but serve as a catalyst for change and a commitment to a more accountable government.
