Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, recently clarified his earnings during his tenure, stating that his total allowance amounted to ₦25 million. Dogara, who represented the Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal constituency of Bauchi State from 2015 to 2019, addressed misconceptions about his earnings at a public event in Abuja.
Dogara emphasized that the ₦25 million allowance was not a monthly figure but rather accumulated over his entire tenure. He underscored the need for transparency regarding lawmakers’ earnings, questioning the perception of inflated salaries attributed to National Assembly members.
“My allowances, everything as a Speaker then, was ₦25 million. I asked my accountant to open an account for this money because this money was not mine,” he explained.
He acknowledged the public’s concern over lawmakers’ earnings, suggesting a reconsideration of how these figures are perceived and communicated. He clarified that during his time as Speaker, his monthly salary was below ₦400,000, challenging misconceptions about the scale of lawmakers’ incomes.
“I don’t know whether they have increased it but when I was there, my salary was not up to ₦400,000 a month. So a young man in my constituency said, ‘You mean this is your salary? I can even hire you to work for me,’” Dogara recounted.
He also highlighted the practical challenges lawmakers face in managing their finances, noting the pressures to meet constituents’ expectations despite limited resources.
“Honestly speaking, there was never a time I took one naira out of that account home. As a matter of fact, there was never a time that money lasted three days. I am saying this so that even Honourable members who are here should let the Speaker and Deputy Speaker breathe,” Dogara shared.
The issue of legislators’ salaries has long been a topic of national debate, with many Nigerians expressing concern over perceived lavish allowances amidst widespread poverty. While exact salary details remain undisclosed, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) announced plans for a significant increase in salaries across various public offices in June 2023.
Dogara’s remarks aimed to provide clarity on the financial realities faced by lawmakers, stressing the importance of transparency in public office earnings. He urged fellow legislators to consider public perceptions and the practical challenges of managing their stipends effectively.
In conclusion, Dogara’s statements shed light on the complexities of legislative finances and the need for a balanced understanding of lawmakers’ earnings. His disclosure underscores the ongoing need for accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s governance structures, particularly concerning public office expenditures.
