Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has disclosed that he received more than N1 billion for constituency projects in the controversial 2024 budget.
The budget has been embroiled in controversy, with allegations from Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, that over N3.7 trillion could not be traced to any project.
The allegations led to a three-month suspension for Senator Ningi after the House deliberated on them during Tuesday’s plenary.
Senator Jarigbe Agom, representing Cross River North, also raised concerns, alleging that some ranking Senators received about N500 million for constituency projects, while others, including himself, received nothing or less than N200 million.
Senator Nwoko, speaking in a podcast released on Saturday, explained that the allocation each senator received depended on their lobbying efforts.
He emphasized that the funds were meant for projects within their senatorial districts, such as roads, water projects, or training programs.
“Senators get what they lobby for, not because they have the right to it. Everybody just goes about doing what they can do for their constituencies and senatorial districts,” Nwoko stated.
He suggested a more uniform approach to allocating funds, proposing that if there was a set amount for each senator, it would ensure fairness.
However, he acknowledged that the current system relies on the influence and connections of each senator to secure funds for their constituents.
When asked if he received as much as N1 billion in allocation, Senator Nwoko affirmed, saying, “Of course, I did. That’s why I am who I am. But these are projects for my people.”
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