Shehu Sani’s revelation shows Nigerian legislators are highest paid in the world

Femi Falana, human rights lawyer, says Shehu Sani’s revelation that every senator gets paid N13.5 million monthly proves Nigerian legislators are the highest paid in the world.

The senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said Sani’s disclosure validates a statement made to the effect by Itse Sagay, chairman, presidential advisory committee against corruption (PACAC).

He commended the senator representing Kaduna central for “blowing the whistle on a matter of crucial national importance”.

Falana called on the presidency to ensure that the revenue mobilisation, allocation and fiscal commission takes action on the matter.

“For the first time since May 1999, the Senator disclosed the jumbo emoluments of the members of the upper chamber of of the national assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. According to the Senator, the running cost of each Senator is N13.1 million in addition to a consolidated salary of N750,000 per month,” he said in a statement released on Sunday.

Falana said Sani must not be punished by the red chamber for “spilling the beans on the payment of the illegal salaries and allowances to federal legislators”.

He called on “all lovers of democracy and public accountability in Nigeria” to rally round the senator “by ensuring that he is not harassed”.

– The Cable