A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Tomide Akinribido, has revealed that some senators in the 10th National Assembly spent over N1 billion to win their elections during the 2023 polls.
Akinribido, a former lawmaker representing Ondo West 1 in the Ondo state House of Assembly, made the allegation in reaction to calls for National Assembly members’ wages to be reduced.
He said citizens lack the moral grounds to ask for a pay cut from federal lawmakers after receiving money before voting on election day.
His words:
”Some senators spent as much as over one billion naira to win their election; hence the citizens lack the moral grounds to ask for a pay cut from the NASS.
”You can’t receive money before voting on Election Day and think the money will not be recouped one way or the other.”
He added that candidates were spending money daily from May 2022 till February/March 2023.
”Citizens were literally extorting them throughout the campaign period and sold their votes on Election Day. Then you want those that won to push for a pay cut?” he queried.
He added that Nigerians continually indulge current officeholders and candidates during elections to fund their personal needs.
According to him, such excessive financial demands and vote buying on election day will continue to trigger massive corruption and a bloated government.
He further stated that Nigeria has no business operating a bicameral legislature.
”Senate should be scrapped. The House of Representatives is just fine. It has representatives for each local government area constituting federal constituencies,” he added.