In a recent interview, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu defended the Senate’s decision to provide vehicles for committee use, explaining that senators have heavy responsibilities and their N14 million monthly income is used for public service and constituency work.
In a revealing interview on Channels TV, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu addressed the growing public concerns regarding the Senate’s decision to purchase vehicles for its members, stating that these vehicles are for official committee work, not personal use. His statement comes at a time when Nigerians have raised concerns about the high cost of governance, especially when the average citizen struggles to make ends meet.
During the interview, Kalu responded to claims that senators were receiving luxury vehicles worth N140 million each, clarifying that the vehicles provided were for Senate committee activities and not for individual senators. “What would I do with an official vehicle?” Kalu questioned, emphasizing that such vehicles are shared among committee members to aid in their work.
He further explained that there is a misunderstanding regarding the nature of the vehicle allocation, noting, “The committee gets a vehicle, not the individual senator.” This clarification comes amid growing public discontent over reports that lawmakers are living extravagantly at the expense of taxpayers.
The Controversy Over Senators’ Income Seun Okinbaloye, the Channels TV presenter, pressed Kalu on the issue of senators’ income, particularly his monthly earnings. Kalu revealed that he receives N14 million monthly, including his salary and allowances, but asserted that this amount is insufficient to cover the numerous responsibilities of a senator.
“You think N14 million is a lot?” Kalu asked. “This money is used to run my constituency office, cover travel expenses, and cater to the needs of my people. It’s not enough.” He highlighted that Nigerian lawmakers often face immense pressure from their constituents, who look to them for financial assistance with medical bills, school fees, and other personal needs.
Kalu’s remarks have reignited the debate over the cost of governance in Nigeria. Many Nigerians have questioned whether lawmakers’ benefits are justified in a country facing economic challenges, inflation, and a high unemployment rate. However, Kalu defended his position, stating that the services lawmakers provide to their constituents require significant financial resources.
The Call for Accountability Despite the backlash, Kalu maintained that Nigerian lawmakers are working hard to represent their people, and he urged citizens to re-evaluate their perception of the legislature. He argued that many appointed officials have even more access to government resources than elected officials, yet the focus remains primarily on the Senate.
As public dissatisfaction over governance costs grows, the debate over whether the Senate should receive such expensive perks continues. Kalu’s defense of the Senate’s spending and his explanation of how funds are used may do little to quell public anger, but it sheds light on the complexities lawmakers face while in office. WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
