Senator Ali Ndume has strongly criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the ongoing controversy surrounding senators' holiday allowances. Ndume, who serves as the Senate Chief Whip, expressed his disapproval of Akpabio's remarks, stating that they were not fitting for a leader. He accused Akpabio of conveying the impression that senators were receiving a special or substantial amount of money as part of their holiday allowances.

Ndume clarified that all senators receive a standard amount of N2 million each as their statutory entitlement for the holiday allowance. He compared this to the leave grants that employees generally receive when they go on vacation. In his view, this practice is common and not distinct for senators.

The senator conveyed his sentiments with a sense of disappointment, emphasizing that Akpabio's statements had unnecessarily stirred up controversy. Ndume believed that Akpabio should have chosen his words more thoughtfully, avoiding the perception that senators were being treated exceptionally.

Ndume shared that he had cautioned Akpabio about his comments and even hinted at the possibility of taking serious measures against him if he persisted in making careless statements. He spoke about this during an interview with BBC Hausa service, where he underscored the ordinary nature of the N2 million allowance and condemned Akpabio for making a misguided statement that painted senators in a negative light.

The timing of the holiday allowance distribution has sparked criticism, given the economic challenges faced by Nigerians following the removal of petrol subsidies. Many citizens feel frustrated and angered by what they perceive as senators' lack of concern for their hardships while offering what they view as mere holiday "tokens."