The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has said the leaking roofs of the National Assembly complex during a heavy downpour on Tuesday was not the fault of the lawmakers.
He said those blaming them are doing so in ignorance, adding that the Federal Capital Development Authority was in charge of the maintenance of the structures in the National Assembly premises.
Lawan spoke at plenary while ruling on a point of order raised on the matter by Senator Sabi Abdullahi, on Wednesday
Lawan said, “The fact that there was a leakage to me, is a clear testimony, confirmation, and vindication of the position the national assembly took initially.
“Everyone knows that this place is overdue for rehabilitation. We went to see Mr President and he was gracious and he asked us to meet with FCTA, the owners of the building.
“Myself, the speaker, the late chief of staff, and Minister of Finance met to look for money for the rehabilitation of the national assembly. When the N37 billion was approved it was not a national assembly budget, it was an FCDA budget.
“If this place leaks we are not holding our democracy with the respect it has. We expect the press to inform the people responsibly
“This house is the house of Nigerians. It belongs to Nigerians and it deserves to be rehabilitated.”
Sabi, who is the Deputy Whip, had earlier said there was no leakage in the chamber but around the premises.
He said, “It was reported that because of that leakage, it delayed our sitting. That also was not correct. The leadership had housekeeping matters and until the leadership enters the chamber, sitting would not begin.
“Thirdly and the most critical, was that the leadership approved N37 billion for the rehabilitation. This is nothing further from the truth.”
“When the 9th Senate came on board, the leadership noticed dilapidation and the need for the rehabilitation of the national assembly complex.
“The Senate President and speaker approached Mr President to report this matter and we were all briefed that Mr President was willing to ensure that something is done about it.
“When the pandemic came, the N37bn was reduced to N9bn so we can take the rehabilitation in phases. As we speak nothing is being done.”
