Former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu Claims Monthly Earnings as Senator are N14 Million

Former Abia State Governor and current Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has publicly disclosed that his total monthly earnings as a lawmaker amount to N14 million. Kalu made this statement during an interview with Channels Television on Thursday, addressing the widespread perception that Nigerian lawmakers live in luxury while the general populace struggles with poverty.

“There has been a lot of confusion regarding the earnings of federal lawmakers. I earn N14 million for everything in a month. That includes overhead costs, workers’ salaries, and all other expenses,” Kalu explained.

The senator’s comments come amid ongoing debates about the salaries of Nigerian lawmakers, with some suggesting that they can earn as much as N21 million monthly. Kalu, however, emphasized that his earnings are insufficient to cover essential expenses related to his duties, such as fueling his vehicle for constituency visits and maintaining his constituency office.

Kalu’s remarks aim to dispel the notion that all lawmakers are excessively wealthy, highlighting the financial challenges they face in fulfilling their responsibilities. His statements reflect a growing concern about the disparities between the earnings of politicians and the economic realities facing many Nigerians.