Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has accused the National Assembly of engaging in illegal practices and showing contempt for the law following the recent revelation that Nigerian Senators are receiving a monthly “running cost” of ₦21 million.
This disclosure was made by Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila from Kano State, who confirmed the amount he receives monthly.
In response, Falana issued a statement condemning the National Assembly’s decision to increase the monthly allowances of Senators from ₦14 million to ₦21 million, calling the move both illegal and a clear act of contempt. He cited a 2021 ruling by Justice Chuka Obiozor of the Federal High Court, which stipulated that only the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has the authority to set the salaries and allowances of federal legislators.
Falana emphasized, “The Senate, the House of Representatives, and the National Assembly Service Commission have no power, close or semblance of power, and cannot determine, direct, command, and/or instruct the RMAFC or any person howsoever to make, determine, and/or fix the salaries, wages, remuneration, running cost, or allowances of the National Assembly,” referencing the court judgment.
Despite this clear legal directive, Falana pointed out that the current leadership of the National Assembly has disregarded the court’s ruling by increasing Senators’ running costs, an action he described as not only illegal but also a blatant act of contempt.
He further highlighted the inconsistency between the 2024 Appropriation Act and the alleged payments, stating that “no provision whatsoever exists for monthly payments of ₦21 million in running costs to every Senator.” He added that since the running cost was not determined by the RMAFC, it is unconstitutional and violates the existing court order.
Falana also criticized the stark contrast between the legislators’ substantial earnings and the recently enacted Minimum Wage Act, which sets the minimum wage for workers at ₦70,000. He warned that this disparity would exacerbate the issue of inequality in Nigeria.
In closing, Falana called on the National Assembly to comply with the court’s ruling and adjust the Senators’ remuneration to align with the economic realities of the country. He cautioned, “The lawmakers should comply with the law of the land. Otherwise, we shall soon embark on contempt proceedings as the legislators are not above the law of the land.”
