By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Senator Ajibola Basiru has denied that coronavirus palliatives meant for public distribution were cornered up by senators, insisting that lawmakers never received such from President Muhammadu Buhari or the government for distribution to their constituents.
The Senate Media and Publicity Committee chairman was reacting to the allegation made by the Director of Media and Publicity of the Muhammadu Buhari 2019 Presidential Campaign Committee, Kailani Muhammad, who said the palliatives were passed through lawmakers.
Basiru described the allegation as either wicked lies or deliberate misinformation.
“While not speaking for the governors, I make bold to say that no federal lawmaker and indeed, no senator received any kobo from Mr. president or any food stuff or any material for that matter, talk less of hoarding them,” Basiru insisted.
“Rather at the Senate, we donated half of members’ salaries for the purpose of cushioning the effect of COVID 19.
“We legislators equally played our part by purchasing and distributing palliatives to people at our different constituencies. So it is quite unfortunate for Kilani Mohammed or anyone to castigate us in the public and saying what is not true.”
Basiru cautioned against “deliberate falsehood to paint federal lawmakers in bad light for whatever motive.”
