Senator representing Kwara North Senatorial District, Sadiq Umar, has defended the controversial multi-billion-naira car and office allowances disbursed to members of the National Assembly.
Umar speaking at the 9th Media Parliament, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, confirmed reports of car and office allowances for new members of the national assembly, stating that the society, needs to be less sentimental and more rational and pragmatic in assessing and criticizing leaders.
According to Senator Sadiq, there are items that would be bought for the new Assembly members to carryout oversight functions, insisting that no new member of the National Assembly will want to use the old computers or office items met in their respective offices.
He added that constituents will be disappointed if a senator returns with a fairly used car, arguing that the allowances are legal and constitutional.
Recalls National Assembly earmark N70bn for its members out of the N819bn federal supplementary budget passed by the legislature in July, to support the working conditions of the members.
