“I have evidence”. Obasanjo is the father of corruption & has no credibility. – Senator Kawu

“I have evidence”. Obasanjo is the father of corruption & has no credibility. – Senator Kawu

The current situation in Nigeria, marked by stark salary differences between lawmakers and ordinary citizens, has sparked significant public outrage, especially as many struggle to secure basic meals.

Amidst this ongoing crisis, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has openly condemned several lawmakers, branding them as corrupt and motivated by greed.

In response, Senator Sumaila Kawu has fired back, labeling Obasanjo the “father of corruption.”

Senator Sumaila Kawu representing the Kano South senatorial district, accused Obasanjo of fostering corruption within the National Assembly during his tenure.

This accusation comes as a direct reply to Obasanjo’s recent criticisms of lawmakers for allegedly setting their own salaries and allowances while the nation grapples with economic hardships.

Senator Kawu, who has recently gained attention for his comments on lawmakers’ pay, traced the origins of corruption in the legislature back to Obasanjo’s administration.

“Obasanjo is the one who brought corruption into the National Assembly,” Kawu asserted during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sport further claimed to possess evidence supporting his assertions.

Kawu accused Obasanjo’s administration and his affiliates of corrupting certain National Assembly members in a bid to amend the Constitution, allowing him to seek a third presidential term.

He remarked, “I have evidence that it was his government and his associates who influenced some members of the National Assembly to change the Constitution for him to pursue a third term as president.”

Obasanjo, who held the presidency from 1999 to 2007, expressed his frustration regarding the lawmakers renumeration, suggesting they are disconnected from the economic struggles faced by the average Nigerian.

His remarks have sparked renewed debate about the salaries and benefits of federal legislators.

The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has detailed the earnings of senators, indicating that each senator receives a total of N1 million.

This breakdown includes: Basic Salary – N168,866.70; Motor Vehicle Fuelling and Maintenance Allowance – N126,650.00; Personal Assistant – N42,216.66; Domestic Staff – N126,650.00; Entertainment – N50,660.00; Utilities

Source: News Agency of Nigeria. 

Photo credit: News Agency of Nigeria. (NAN)