Senate in chaos as senior senators revealed to receive N500 million for projects.

The Senate chamber reverberated with discontent on Tuesday following a startling disclosure that senior senators had each been allocated a substantial sum of N500 million for projects. Senator Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe, representing Cross-River North under the banner of the People’s Democratic Party, brought this revelation to light during a session, underscoring the privileged treatment accorded to certain members.

The disclosure emerged amidst discussions sparked by Senator Olamilekan Adeola’s motion regarding an alleged breach of privilege by Senator Ningi, who chairs the Senate Committee on Population and represents Bauchi Central. Senator Ningi’s recent media interview, wherein he claimed a staggering N3.7 trillion padding in the 2024 Budget, had drawn significant attention. However, it was Senator Agom-Jarigbe’s revelation of the N500 million allocations to ranking senators that ignited a tumultuous response among the gathered lawmakers, transforming the session into a chaotic affair.

As tensions escalated, Senator Agom-Jarigbe challenged the disparities in fund allocation, questioning the fairness of the distribution process. He pointedly remarked on the incongruity of some senior senators receiving such substantial sums while others, including himself, were overlooked. The ensuing uproar laid bare underlying tensions within the Senate, with members grappling to reconcile allegations of financial disparity and questionable budgetary practices. Amidst the turmoil, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved to clarify that the earmarked N500 million allocations were designated for constituency projects, seeking to quell the mounting unrest within the chamber.