By Ono Yima
Senator Sumaila Kawu, representing Kano South, has disclosed that his monthly take-home package exceeds N21 million. This revelation contradicts the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission’s (RMAFC) claim that each senator earns N1.06 million monthly.
RMAFC’s Breakdown
According to RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, senators’ monthly earnings break down are as follows: a basic salary of N168,866.70, plus allowances including motor vehicle fuelling and maintenance (N126,650), personal assistant (N42,216.66), domestic staff (N126,650), entertainment (N50,660), utilities (N50,660), newspapers/periodicals (N25,330), wardrobe (N42,216.66), house maintenance (N8,443.33), and constituency allowance (N422,166.66), totaling N1,063,860 per month.
Annual Expenditure
Based on RMAFC’s figures, the Federal Government spends N1.4 billion annually on senators’ salaries and allowances, with each senator earning N12.72 million in 12 months.
In a statement Shehu said that, “the commission also wishes to use this opportunity to state that any allegation regarding other allowance(s) being enjoyed by any political, public office holder outside those provided in the Remuneration (Amendment) Act, 2008 should be explained by the person who made the allegation
“To avoid misinformation and misrepresentation of facts capable of misleading citizens and members of the international community, the commission considers it most appropriate and necessary to request Nigerians and any other interested party to avail themselves of the opportunity to access the actual details of the present remuneration package for political, public and judicial office holders in Nigeria published on its website: www.rmafc.gov.ng.”
Senator Kawu Reveals True Earnings
In an interview with the British Broadcasting Hausa Service on Wednesday, Senator Kawu disclosed that his actual take-home pay is N21 million per month, despite his basic salary being around N1 million. He explained that his salary, after deductions, amounts to approximately N600,000, but his total earnings are significantly higher due to additional allowances and benefits.
Controversy Surrounding Lawmakers’ Pay
This revelation has sparked fresh controversy over the amount of money received by federal lawmakers. The issue gained attention last week, with many questioning the figures provided by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC). Senator Kawu’s disclosure highlights the discrepancy between the official figures and the actual take-home pay of lawmakers, fueling the ongoing debate.
Obasanjo Criticizes Lawmakers’ Salary Fixing
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who led the country from 1999 to 2007, recently criticized federal lawmakers for determining their own salaries and benefits. During a meeting with six members of the House of Representatives, led by Ikenga UgoChinyere, at his Abeokuta residence in Ogun State, Obasanjo chastised the lawmakers for taking it upon themselves to fix their own emoluments.
Obasanjo said, “In your case, with all due respect, you’re not supposed to fix your salaries. But you decide what you pay yourself, the allowances that you give yourselves (including) newspaper allowances.
“You give yourselves all sorts of things, and you know it is not right. It is immoral, (yet) you are doing it, the Senate is doing it, and you are beating your chests about it. In some cases, the executive gives you what you’re not entitled to. You all got N200 million (each).”
Senate Rejects Obasanjo’s Claims
The Senate has denied allegations made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, stating that his claims are entirely false. In a statement released on Sunday, the Senate refuted Obasanjo’s accusations, dismissing them as lies. However, this denial has added fuel to the fire, highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding lawmakers’ compensation and transparency.