Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), disclosed that a significant portion of her basic salary is directed towards addressing the pressing needs in Abuja, particularly in rural areas.
According to her, contrary to public perception, a senator’s basic salary is modest.
“People are under the misconception that the basic salary of a senator is a lot. Really, it’s not as much”, she said.
Senator Kingibe, who has been in office for nearly six months, highlighted the intense poverty in the region, leading her to allocate funds for palliatives. She expressed her commitment to making a difference by investing in smaller-scale infrastructural projects.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the purchase of luxury SUVs for senators, Kingibe clarified that the 9th Assembly, not the 10th, approved and acquired the vehicles. She hinted at potential cost-cutting measures for future acquisitions, possibly opting for locally made cars.
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Responding to disagreements with Governor Wike over completing the millennium and culture centre in Abuja, Kingibe stressed the need to prioritize security and essential services over cultural projects. She advocated for redirecting resources to combat the rising insecurity, emphasizing that, “until we all feel secure, everything else doesn’t make sense.”
As she reflected on her time in the senate, Senator Kingibe acknowledged the challenges faced by legislators, countering the notion that senators are idle. She urged a reconsideration of national priorities, emphasizing the critical issues affecting the FCT.
Credit: Arise Primetime