You Are “Silly” —Ben Bruce Tells Those Questioning Him On Senators’ Salaries

MICHAEL AKINOLA

Senator Ben Murray-Bruce has described as ‘Silly” those trolling him on the social media questioning him on his salary and that of others senators.

Murray-Bruce, 61, who represents Bayelsa East Senatorial District, exploded on Saturday on Twitter via his handle; “Except you are my constituent, it is silly for anyone to have a problem with the Senate’s salaries and come to me. Go to your own senator!”.

It is unclear what may have prompted the outburst from the senator, known for issuing short statements on the nation’s socio-economic and political challenges.

In May 2015, Murray-Bruce tweeted to call for the cut in the outrageous salaries of the lawmakers and even promise to lead the fight against his colleagues.

“We must be realistic. If we have to borrow to pay salaries, it’s a sign we must cut salaries including for senators. I’ll lead the charge,” he tweeted then.

However, there has been public pressure on lawmakers to reveal how much they actually receive as salaries and allowances.

Professor Itse Sagay, Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), and the Nigerian Senate have been on each other’s throats over the alleged jumbo salaries of Nigerian federal lawmakers.

In a speech he delivered at the Nigerian Society of International Law public lecture in Lagos recently, Sagay had claimed that a senator’s monthly salary was about N29 million and over N3 billion a year.

“From the information I have gathered, a Nigerian Senator earns about N29 million a month and over N3 billion a year,” the professor said.
“Basic salary N2,484,245.50; hardship allowance, 1,242, 122.70; constituency allowance N4, 968, 509.00; furniture allowance N7, 452, 736.50; newspaper allowance N1, 242, 122.70.

“Wardrobe allowance N621,061.37; recess allowance N248, 424.55; accommodation 4,968,509.00; utilities N828,081.83; domestic staff N1,863,184.12; entertainment N828,081.83; personal assistant N621,061.37; vehicle maintenance allowance N1,863,184.12; leave allowance N248,424.55; severance gratuity N7, 425,736.50; and motor vehicle allowance N9, 936,982.00,” Sagay added.

But the Senate said the figures presented by Sagay were false and exaggerated.

PREMIUM TIMES, in 2016 also reported that Senators and House of Representatives members reportedly earn as much as N6.78 billion as their official salaries and allowances in one year.