By Emmanuel Kwada
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has challenged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to disclose the exact amount allocated to members of the National Assembly as monthly running costs.
In a statement signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization also requested a detailed account of the spending of such running costs.
This demand comes amidst controversy over the alleged “jumbo pay” received by senators.
Controversy over the alleged “jumbo pay” received by senators.
Former Senator Shehu Sani had claimed that senators receive a monthly running cost of N13.5 million in addition to a N750,000 salary, but this claim was disputed by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission.
SERAP’s request aims to end the alleged practice of fixing salaries, allowances, and running costs by the National Assembly, which contravenes the Nigerian Constitution and international obligations.
The organization also urged the NASS leaders to stop paying running costs into lawmakers’ personal accounts and to report any misuse or mismanagement to anti-corruption agencies.
Senators receive a monthly running cost of N13.5 million in addition to a N750,000 salary
The statement emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the spending of public funds, citing the constitutional oath of office of lawmakers and the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
SERAP argued that disclosing the exact amounts of salaries, allowances, and running costs would build trust in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law.
The organization warned that failure to comply with its request within seven days would result in legal action to compel the NASS members to comply.
This comes after Kano South Senator Sumaila Kawu disclosed that he earns over N21 million monthly, contradicting the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission’s statement that each senator receives a total of N1.06 million in salary and allowances per month. The Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, later denied Kawu’s claim.
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