House of Representatives Clarifies Monthly Salary, Debunks Speculation
The House of Representatives has clarified its monthly salary, debunking speculation that members received N900,000 in July. According to Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson of the House, the actual monthly salary for members is N600,000, after deductions for advances such as housing.
Rotimi made the clarification in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, reaffirming the House’s commitment to the 50 per cent deduction in their salary to reduce hardship. The statement comes after some media outlets reported claims of discrepancies in the salaries of members, suggesting that they received 100 per cent of their July salaries.
The report claimed that the House’s salary amounted to N936,979, but Rotimi clarified that this was not the case. He explained that the member who displayed his salary on a TV programme was an exceptional case, as he assumed office through a court decision many months after the on-boarding process was concluded.
The House remains committed to the resolution passed on July 18, which mandated a 50 per cent reduction in the salaries of members for six months. Rotimi acknowledged and regretted that this resolution was not implemented by the bureaucracy as intended for the month of July, but assured that instructions for adjusting salaries had since been issued and would be enforced moving forward.
The delay in implementation was due to necessary administrative procedures and coordination with financial institutions. Rotimi called for patience and assured the House of its steadfast adherence to its pledge and sustained efforts to earn the trust and confidence of all Nigerians.
The House’s clarification comes as a relief to many Nigerians who have been concerned about the discrepancies in the salaries of lawmakers. The House’s commitment to reducing hardship and implementing the 50 per cent deduction in salaries is a positive step towards transparency and accountability.
