Ali Ndume, the Senate Chief Whip, has rebuked Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his remark made during the recent session that a ‘holiday allowance’ had been sent to senators’ bank accounts.

On Monday, while addressing his colleagues before proceeding on annual recess, the senate president said the Senate clerk sent a token to the lawmakers to allow them to “enjoy their holidays”.

However, upon realizing that he was on live TV, the Akpabio immediately withdrew the comment .

The statement caused wide condemnation from Nigerians, who accosted the lawmakers of turning deaf ears to the suffering and hardship in the country.

Seaking during an interview with the BBC Hausa service, Ndume said the senate president comments were unbecoming of a leader.

Akpabio who is known for his outspoken nature, mentioned that the money received was their statutory entitlement and nothing special.

He said: “It’s common knowledge that if any employee is going on leave, he/she is entitled to a leave grant. That was the money we received, and it is nothing unusual or special.

“All senators received N2 million. And I am making this comment with a heavy heart because he (Akpabio) is the cause of this controversy.

“He created an impression as if we were given some special or huge amounts of money. What’s the big deal if I receive N2 million allowance in my capacity as a senator? He made a very wrong statement, and I warned him immediately that his comments were unbecoming of an elder.

“In fact, we are even planning to take drastic action against him if he continues making unguarded statements and acting as if we are kids.”