Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, disclosed on Wednesday that he received more than the allocated N200 million for constituency projects in the 2024 Appropriation Act, asserting his status as a principal officer in the 10th National Assembly.
Responding to allegations made by Senator Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe from Cross River North during a heated debate on budget padding claims, Ndume confirmed that he obtained a higher sum compared to his colleagues who are floor members.
Agom-Jarigbe had claimed that some senators received a staggering N500 million each from the 2024 Budget for constituency projects, shedding light on the disparities within the Senate.
When pressed about the validity of Agom-Jarigbe’s allegations, Ndume defended the discrepancies, stating, “It’s disparity now, we are not the same; all animals are equal but some are more equal than the other. That’s what the case is. They have agreed to that.”
Explaining further, Ndume elucidated, “All the senators have N200m (each) as their constituency projects but I am a leader. That is the difference. 10 of us are leaders including those in the opposition. We get more than the floor members. It’s normal.”
He emphasized that the decision regarding the distribution of funds was collectively made by the senators, highlighting the evolving dynamics within the Senate budget committee.
Ndume’s candid admission sheds light on the intricacies of Senate dynamics, revealing the hierarchical disparities that exist within the esteemed chamber.
