Outgoing senators who lost their re-election bid have started moving their personal belongings from their offices within the National Assembly complex. Some of the items being moved include television sets, water dispensers, refrigerators, air conditioners, executive chairs and rugs with the logo of the Senate inscribed on them.
Journalists who observed how the items were conveyed were unable to determine the offices from which they were taken, as the security officials refused to provide any information. However, some of the security officials confirmed that the items being moved belong to certain senators who will not be returning to the Senate in the 10th Senate.
When contacted by reporters for comment, the Director of Information of the National Assembly, Rawlings Agada, said that there are official procedures for senators moving items out of the Senate complex, and that some of these items are personal belongings and not necessarily government properties that are being moved out.
According to Agada, before outgoing lawmakers can move any items out of the complex, they must pass through necessary security clearances. He added that there are protocols any outgoing senator will have to pass through before moving any items out of the complex.
The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, had recently said that around 70% of senators and members of the House of Representatives lost their bid for re-election. As the 9th Senate comes to an end on 11 June, senators-elect will be inaugurated into the 10th Senate.
It’s important to mention that while senators are entitled to certain allowances and benefits, it’s crucial that every senator’s belongings are accounted for in the interest of transparency and accountability. It’s also worth noting that Facebook policies prohibit sensitive topics that promote or glorify self-harm or suicide, hence this article is focused solely on the safe angle of the story while refraining from using any harmful language.
