Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has revealed that his total allowance as Speaker was 25 million naira, while his salary was 400 thousand naira.
He spoke at the House of Representatives open week celebration in Abuja.
The Former Speaker said he was sharing those details to address the public misconception that National Assembly members earn excessive salaries and allowances.
“While I was Speaker my salary was 400 thousand Naira and my total allowance was 25 million naira, 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 for the needs of constituents.
Dogara, who was the Speaker of the 8th Assembly, emphasized the need for Nigerians to allow their Representatives to work without undue financial demands.
“My accountant complained of the level of demand on the account and I told him if the money there is finished, borrow, and when money comes it you return to were you had taken money from.
“I am saying this so Nigerians will give their legislatures breathing space and know that the narrative is not true about members’ pay.”
He noted that the false narrative of huge salaries has tarnished the image of the National Assembly, leading to members being labeled as thieves.
