SACKED LAWMAKERS YET TO REFUND N61 MILLION TO NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Nigerian lawmakers recently sacked by the Supreme Court and asked to refund all salaries and allowances received thus far are expected to refund about N61 million cumulatively.

However, about three months after they were sacked by the apex court, there are no indications any of the three lawmakers affected has returned the monies.

The lawmakers affected are Sopuluchukwu Ezeonwuka who represented Orhumba North/South Federal Constituency of Anambra State; Herman Hembe, Vandeikiya/Konshisha Federal Constituency of Benue State; and a senator, Sani Danladi, the former acting governor of Taraba who represented Taraba North senatorial district.

According to the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, the cumulative monthly salary and allowances of a member of the House of Representatives is N791,000 while that of a senator is N1.029 million.

Although legislators are believed to earn far more than this through allowances not approved by RMAFC, tabulation of amount to be returned focuses on salaries and allowances only approved by the revenue agency, which is the one the lawmakers admit receiving.