In response to Senator Sumaila Kawu’s assertion that he receives N21m monthly in salary and allowances, the Senate has countered it as false, as stated by the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu.
The issue surrounding the purported high earnings of National Assembly members was reignited following President Olusegun Obasanjo’s comment over the weekend, alleging that lawmakers determine their own pay.
Despite the National Assembly denying Obasanjo’s claim, Senator Kawu, representing the north, disclosed in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation Hausa Service that he receives N21m monthly.
However, Senator Kawu clarified that his actual monthly salary is less than N1m, with over N600,000 after deductions.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Senate spokesperson, Adaramodu, disputed Kawu’s claim,
He emphasized, “The Senate is once again compelled to address baseless allegations of inflated salaries and personal earnings wrongly attributed to Senators each month.
“The Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission, the government agency responsible for setting political officials’ salaries and allowances, has publicly revealed the actual monthly income of Senators.
“It is important to note that the funds mentioned by Senator Kawu Sumaila are not his salary or personal allowance.
“These funds are designated for the daily operations of senators’ offices and other official duties. They cover expenses such as constituency office staff, oversight responsibilities, and community engagements.
“These funds are not fixed; they are included in the yearly budget and must be accounted for with legitimate expenditure receipts. They do not constitute personal allowances or salaries for legislators.
“The National Assembly’s budget allocation is around 1% of the total federal budget and has never exceeded this limit, even during financial challenges. The Nigerian Senate comprises accomplished professionals, administrators, and industry leaders who are driven by patriotism, not monetary incentives.”