BUSINESS DAY
Yakubu Dogara, a former speaker of the House of Representatives, has clarified that his total allowance was N25 million, with a monthly salary of N400,000 during his tenure as the leader of the 8th lower legislative chamber.
This clarification aims to address the public perception that federal lawmakers earn exorbitant salaries and emoluments.
Speaking in Abuja at a two-day open week public engagement organised by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Dogara emphasised the importance of allowing legislators to work without excessive financial demands from the public.
He noted that misconceptions about lawmakers’ earnings have tarnished the National Assembly’s image, often resulting in them being labeled as “thieves” at public events.
Dogara said, “While I was Speaker, my salary was N400,000 and my total allowance was N25m. I told my accountant to open a separate account for the allowances and I never for once took any money out of that account. Everything that came into that account was used to cater to the needs of my constituents.”
He added that due to high demand, his accountant occasionally had to borrow funds to meet the needs of constituents, with the borrowed amounts repaid once allowances were deposited.
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