Paul Ibe, Special Adviser on Media to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has praised Kano South Senator Sumaila Kawu for revealing that senators earn ₦21 million monthly. Ibe stated that Kawu’s disclosure supports former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s claim that lawmakers set their own salaries, which goes against legal guidelines. The Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) approves only ₦1.1 million per month for senators.
In his statement, Ibe emphasized that Senator Kawu’s openness confirms Obasanjo’s accusations and contradicts the Senate’s official stance that it does not set its own pay. He commended Kawu for his courage in speaking out, highlighting the irony of the National Assembly, which is responsible for lawmaking, violating the law by disregarding the RMAFC’s authority.
Ibe also warned Senate President Godswill Akpabio against suspending Senator Kawu for his transparency, citing past instances where senators were suspended for speaking up. He urged the RMAFC to enforce the law regarding the salaries and allowances of public officials, including members of the National Assembly.