The Senate found itself in a tumultuous session following Senator Jarigbe Jarigbe’s revelation that all ranking senators received the sum of N500 million. The disclosure came during the debate on the motion on breach of privilege initiated by Senator Olamilekan Adeola.
Senator Adeola had invoked orders 9, 10, 41, and 51 to present a motion of privilege and address an issue of national importance related to Senator Abdul Ningi’s interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (Hausa Services). In the interview, Senator Ningi alleged disparities between the budget approved by the National Assembly for the 2024 fiscal year (N25 trillion) and the one implemented by the Presidency (N28.7 trillion), citing a N3 trillion insertion for projects without specified locations.
Senator Jarigbe, during the debate, clarified that the missing N3.7 trillion, as claimed by Senator Ningi, had been explained by the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriation. According to Jarigbe, the funds were allocated under Government Owned Enterprises (GOEs) and first-line charge, putting the matter to rest. However, he stirred further commotion by asserting that all ranking senators, including himself, received N500 million each, although he personally did not receive the mentioned amount.
This revelation plunged the Senate into disarray, as members reacted to the surprising disclosure. The ongoing session was disrupted as senators grappled with the implications of the statement and the unexpected revelation of funds allegedly disbursed to ranking senators.
