Paul Ibe, media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has voiced concerns that Senate President Godswil Akpabio might suspend Senator Sumaila Kawu for disclosing the monthly earnings of Nigerian senators. Kawu, representing Kano South, recently revealed that senators receive a monthly running cost of N21 million, in addition to a N1 million salary. ..Read Full Article
Ibe commended Kawu’s bravery in exposing the details, which contradicted earlier claims by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). The commission had previously refuted former Senator Shehu Sani’s statement that senators earned N13.5 million as a running cost and insisted that their monthly salary was N1 million.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ibe highlighted that Kawu’s revelation vindicates former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s assertion that it is morally wrong for the National Assembly to set its own salaries and allowances, circumventing Nigeria’s laws. Ibe also expressed concern that Akpabio might retaliate against Kawu, as he allegedly did with other senators like Ningi and Ndume.
Ibe’s post criticized the Senate for allegedly violating the law by determining its own compensation, despite RMAFC being constitutionally tasked with that responsibility. He called on RMAFC to assert its authority and ensure the law is upheld.
Furthermore, Ibe pointed out the irony of the National Assembly, which is responsible for creating laws for good governance, being accused of breaking the law themselves. He also connected the public’s frustration, as seen in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, to the alleged misconduct within the Senate and the broader economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
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