N9bn NASS members’ wardrobe allowance: RMAFC’ll review lawmakers allowances

… says PIB will be a priority in 8th Senate N9bn NASS Wardrobe Allowance: RMAFC'll review lawmakers’ allowances---Saraki Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday waded into the N9 billion wardrobe allowance controversy rippling across the country, saying the appropriate government agency will review it to reflect the country’s current economic realities. Saraki said through his Twitter handle (@bukolasaraki) on Wednesday that he had met with the chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to seek clarification on the issue.

“Chairman of Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission was in my office to clarify wardrobe allowance. Amount is N506, 600 per senator,” he said. He continued: “Fixing of renumeration of political office holders is the sole responsibility of Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission. With the current challenges we are facing as a nation, RMAFC will be reviewing allowances to reflect the current economic trend.” In support of an open national assembly, Nigeria’s number three citizen said RMAFC would be publishing the details of the allowances of legislators on its website in a few days. “I have just been informed that RMAFC will be publishing details of allowances on their website. I have asked them to do so in a matter of days and we should all follow up to keep them on their toes.” It was reported on Tuesday that 469 federal lawmakers in both chambers were billed to get a sum of N8.64 billion to furnish their wardrobes, translating to N17.5 million for each of the 360 members of the Federal House of Representatives and N21.5 million for each of the 109 senators. In a series of social-media posts, Nigerians expressed their opposition to such bumper allowance in the midst of the country’s economic problems. …says PIB will be priority in 8th Senate Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has reassured Nigerians that the 8th Senate would work toward ensuring the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). Saraki made the promise while hosting the Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Mr Osagie Okunbor, and his team in his office in Abuja on Wednesday. He said that the Senate would continue to embrace dialogue to fast-track easy passage of the Bill and added that the PIB remained a priority in the Senate, saying “we have to engage discussion and dialogue. ‘’ “We can break the jinx which can only be achieved devoid of politics. PIB is a priority in this Senate.” He said that the Senate would collaborate with oil companies and other stakeholders in finding lasting solution to environmental hazard, gas flaring and remuneration to host communities and all aggrieved parties. Saraki also assured that the Senate would continue to come up with legislations that would make the country an investment destination and provide conducive environment for such investment to thrive. Earlier, Okunbor said that he was in the Senate to congratulate Saraki on his successful election. He solicited the support and cooperation of the Senate in passage of the PIB, adding, “the survival of petroleum industry depends greatly on the passage of the PIB.’’