Uproar in Senate over alleged N200,000 monthly remittance by committee clerks
Uproar in Senate over alleged N200,000 monthly remittance by committee clerks
An allegation of a monthly extortion of N200,000 from Clerks and Deputy Committee Clerks of the Senate has rocked the bureaucracy of the Red Chamber in a deal coordinated by the Clerk to the Senate, Mr Emmanuel Odo.
Tribune Online learnt on Sunday night that over 70 standing committees of the Senate were under pressure to remit the amount monthly, with the clerks and deputies unable to meet up under constant threats.
One victim, a female clerk, who pleaded not to be named for fear of the consequences, confided in Senate reporters that trouble started in November when Odo invited them to a meeting with the terse directive to remit N100,000 per clerk and N100,000 per deputy clerk.
An account, 2065154519, in the name of Uzoma Patience Edet, a former employee of the National Assembly, was provided for the payment.
The female clerk disclosed that already, 20 clerks had complied and deposited the money.
She stated, “Pressure is being mounted from the Clerk to the Senate on those of us yet to remit N100,000.00 into the account because those who have remitted have very juicy MDAs under their committees.
“For my own committee and some others, the money is not there to remit into such an unofficial account for unofficial spending by the clerk.”
According to the visibly worried clerk, they were informed at the meeting that the money would be used to procure packages for retiring members of staff.
However, she said the reason she raised the alarm was how she would retrieve the money since it would not be refunded.
To further buttress her allegation, the female clerk produced evidence of the notice placed on the general WhatsApp group of the clerks.
The message reads, “Distinguished Committee Clerks, I have been directed to bring to your notice this very important information.
“Distinguished Colleagues, we are all aware that some of our senior colleagues are retiring this month of December, 2025.
“Our Senior Colleagues that have served for 15 years, 25 years, and 35 years in service, and it is incumbent on us to at least appreciate them by organising a farewell party for them.
“It is on this note we will appreciate your kind donation to enable us to fund their farewell party/meritorious service seat out/cum end-of-year event for the Senate Directorate for these very special personalities.
“As we plan to celebrate them, we once again seek your financial contributions for the success of this great event coming up on the 14th of December, 2025.
“Please, kindly send your financial contribution to :Name: Uzoma Patience Edet. Bank: UBA. Account no:2065154519.”
When contacted for his reactions, Odo said he would not comment on the allegation until the name of the clerk who made the allegation was mentioned to him.
When reminded that it was to protect her against victimisation, he insisted he would not talk, but gave his approval that the story should be published.
He fumed, “You are free to publish the story on the allegation, but the names of the accusers must also be revealed in the story!”
When reminded that the junior clerk actually spoke on record, Odo still dismissed the story.
