Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, has revealed that while all Senators are allocated ₦200 million for constituency projects, he and nine other colleagues received more than this amount. Ndume made this statement in response to claims by Senator Agom Jarigbe Jarigbe that ₦500 million was allocated to some senior Senators from the 2024 budget.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Ndume explained, “All Senators have ₦200 million for constituency projects, but as a leader, I am entitled to more. This is also the case for 10 other leaders, including those from the opposition. It’s a norm that leaders receive more than floor members.”
Ndume emphasized the discretion given to presiding officers in allocating funds, stating, “Most floor members may not be aware of the allocation I receive, but my colleagues are aware that I received more than ₦200 million. This discrepancy is normal; not all Senators are treated equally.”
He further compared the situation to the United States, where allocation of constituency projects is discretionary. “Even in the US, Democrats, as the majority party, receive more resources. Similarly, in the Senate, we prioritize cooperation with PDP Senators, despite unequal treatment in the past,” Ndume added.
