National Conference delegates will earn sitting allowances for only 60
days when they are likely to hold plenary, it was learnt yesterday.
But they will, however, earn accommodation allowance for 90 days – in
line with the timeline for the conference.
In spite of agitation for other allowances, the Federal Government has
directed the secretariat to keep to the budget for the conference.
Although about N668million was disbursed to the delegates at the
weekend at the rate of about N1.4million per head, the government has
told the conference’s leadership that it will not tolerate extra
expenditure.
The financial advisory from the government to the conference
secretariat indicated that the delegates would earn sitting allowance
for only 60 days.
A highly-placed source said: “There is no question of blanket payment
of N4million per month as being reported. In fact, they may earn less
than the assumed N12million.
“From the financial advisory to the secretariat, delegates will earn
sitting allowance for 60 days. We do not expect the plenary to extend
beyond 60 days before we break into committees.
“But they are expected to collect accommodation allowance for 90 days
to cater for when they will be working at committee or syndicate
levels.”
Responding to a question, the source added: “We are actually sticking
to the budget for the conference because the Federal Government has
said that it will not give extra funds.
“So, we cannot accept any extraneous demands in terms of allowance
from members.”
Each of the 492 delegates was paid about N1.4million for accommodation
and other expenses to enable them settle down for the conference.
It was learnt that the account of each member was credited electronically.
About N668million was disbursed to the 492 delegates. Five rejected
the allowances.
The Assistant Secretary to the National Conference (Media and
Communications), Mr. Akpandem James, who refused to divulge how much
was paid to each delegate, simply said: “I am aware that some of the
allowances have been paid.”
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed
surveillance equipment and monitoring vehicles in strategic locations
of the Federal Capital Territory as part of the security measures to
ensure a hitch-free conference.
According to a statement by the Head of Public Relations of NSDC, CSC
Emmanuel Okeh, the equipment, which were recently provided by the
Office of the National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd), were
for effective policing across the country.
The statement said: “While commending the government for the provision
of the facility, the Commandant-General of the corps, Dr. Ade Abolurin
disclosed that his agency had already deployed over 2000 security
personnel and sniffer dogs to beef of security around the venue of the
National Conference.
“Briefing some of the commanders of various units of the agency at the
weekend, Dr Abolurin said apart from protecting the venue of the
National Conference the agency is also tackling the issue of vandalism
of Critical Infrastructure and National Assets of government in
various parts of the country.
“As the lead agency saddled with the responsibility of protecting the
critical infrastructure of government such as PHCN cables,
telecommunication installations, oil pipe lines and gas, railway,
transport sector and other assets, some of its new surveillance
equipment could detect dangerous weapons or IEDs that may be
orchestrated by enemies of the Nation.
“So far, we are committed to national security with the strengthening
of our special units, including Counter-Terrorism Unit, The Armed
Squad, Special Force, Special Weapon and Tactics Units (SWAT),
Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Weapons Unit and the
Anti-Vandal Unit of the Corps.”
