Senator Sani Vindicated as Colleague Confirms Outrageous Legislative Allowances

In a stunning revelation that has rocked the Nigerian political landscape, a serving senator has confirmed the long-standing allegations made by former Senator Shehu Sani regarding the outrageous monthly pay of Nigerian lawmakers.

According to a report by The Guardian Nigeria, Senator Sumaila Umar Kawu, representing Kwara North Senatorial District, disclosed that Nigerian senators receive a monthly allowance of 21 million Naira (approximately USD 45,000) in addition to their basic salaries.

This disclosure has vindicated former Senator Shehu Sani, who had previously spoken out against the excessive financial privileges enjoyed by members of the National Assembly. Sani, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District from 2015 to 2019, claimed that senators received a monthly pay of around 13.5 million Naira (USD 29,000).

“I’m vindicated,” Sani said in a post on his official X.com (formerly Twitter) account. “The disclosure by the serving senator has confirmed what I have been saying all along about the humongous allowances of the Nigerian senators.”

The revelation has reignited the long-standing debate on the financial excesses of the Nigerian legislative branch, with many Nigerians expressing outrage and calling for immediate reforms.

“This is an outrageous and unconscionable amount of money for our lawmakers to be earning,” said Aisha Yesufu, a prominent Nigerian activist and co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls movement. “At a time when the majority of Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet, this level of financial extravagance is simply unacceptable.”

The disclosure by Senator Kawu has also raised questions about the transparency and accountability of the National Assembly’s financial practices. Many Nigerians have long criticized the lack of public scrutiny over the lawmakers’ earnings and the perceived lack of justification for such high allowances.

“The Nigerian people deserve to know how their tax money is being spent, especially when it comes to the salaries and allowances of their elected representatives,” said Jibrin Ibrahim, a senior fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development. “This latest revelation underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive review of the legislative remuneration system.”

As the debate continues, the onus is now on the Nigerian government and the National Assembly to address the concerns raised by the public and to implement meaningful reforms that align with the principles of transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.