Six weeks after they pledged to donate their December 2023 salaries to the victims of the accidental bombing in Kaduna, Nigerian senators are yet to fulfil their promise.
The accidental bombing, carried out by the Nigerian Army during anti-terrorism operations, resulted in the loss of over 100 innocent lives in the Tundun Biri community in Kaduna State. The delay in the senators’ donation has raised concerns and sparked criticism.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin made the commitment during a condolence visit in December, stating that the 109 senators would contribute their December salaries, amounting to N109 million, to assist the victims.
However, investigations by The PUNCH indicate that the senators have not honoured their pledge. Similar delays have been reported among other individuals and government officials who promised monetary donations.
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu acknowledged the delay but attributed it to procedural reasons, clarifying that the December salaries would be received in January. He assured that the Senate remained committed to fulfilling its pledge to the Nigerian people.
“Any noticeable delay in the delivery of the Senate’s pledge to the victims of the unfortunate Kaduna State incident is merely procedural.
“We pledged December monthly salaries, and these would come in January. We are still in January. Whatever commitment the Senate made to the Nigerian people shall be religiously fulfilled,” Adaramodu said.
Several other entities, including the Northern Caucus of the House of Representatives and the Northern States Governors Forum, had also supported the victims financially.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani established a committee to oversee the disbursement of funds and donations. However, challenges, such as security concerns and delays in redeeming pledges, have hindered the prompt disbursement of funds.
A government official revealed that over N140 million had been gathered, but disbursement was being delayed due to outstanding pledges from donors, including senators.
The delayed fulfilment of pledges has led to frustration among the families of the victims, who are yet to receive financial support despite ongoing construction efforts in the affected area.
Idris Dahiru, who lost 30 members of his family to the incident, said the victims had yet to receive anything from those who pledged donations.
He said, “We are eager to see development in our area after the unfortunate incident, but not yet.
“We are expectant. We are not happy that some well-meaning Nigerians who promised donations publicly refused to redeem their pledges.
“We were informed that some of those who announced their donations publicly, on realising that they were using the funds to rebuild Tudun Biri, declined to redeem their pledges. Those in that category should come out and let the world know that they decline to redeem their pledges.
“The security situation in Tudun Biri is still a concern. We were told that a military formation would be established but that has not happened. There is still a security threat here in Tudun Biri, and the earlier the government acted on the promise (military formation), the better for the community.”
