The Senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District on Twitter exploded after he was asked to reveal what he takes home as salary.
Senator Ben Murray-Bruce
Senator Ben Murray-Bruce has called those asking him to reveal how much senators earn 'silly'.
This comes after Professor Itse Sagay, Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) accused lawmakers of taking jumbo salaries which is draining the resources of the country.
In a speech he delivered at the Nigerian Society of International Law public lecture in Lagos recently, Sagay had claimed that a senator’s monthly salary was about N29 million and over N3 billion a year.
“From the information I have gathered, a Nigerian Senator earns about N29 million a month and over N3 billion a year,” the professor said.
“Basic salary N2,484,245.50; hardship allowance, 1,242, 122.70; constituency allowance N4, 968, 509.00; furniture allowance N7, 452, 736.50; newspaper allowance N1, 242, 122.70.
“Wardrobe allowance N621,061.37; recess allowance N248, 424.55; accommodation 4,968,509.00; utilities N828,081.83; domestic staff N1,863,184.12; entertainment N828,081.83; personal assistant N621,061.37; vehicle maintenance allowance N1,863,184.12; leave allowance N248,424.55; severance gratuity N7, 425,736.50; and motor vehicle allowance N9, 936,982.00,” Sagay added.
Nigerians have been begging the senate to reveal how much they earn for the public to know. But, the Senate President Bukola Saraki has failed to deliver after promising to release the figures.
When some Nigerians approached Murray-Bruce, 61, who represents Bayelsa East Senatorial District, hoping that he might be different as the 'common sense' lawmaker, he exploded saying on Twitter, “Except you are my constituent, it is silly for anyone to have a problem with the Senate’s salaries and come to me. Go to your own senator!”.
There has been public outcry since the incident as the people see most lawmakers as dishonourable for refusing to reveal how much they earn in salaries and allowances.