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I never received salary, don’t know how much senators earn – Okorocha

Published

3 years ago

September 21, 2021

Former Governor and Senator representing Imo West, Chief Rochas Okorocha, has disclosed that he had never received a dime as salary from the National Assembly, since becoming a Senator, over two years ago.

This was, even as, the Philanthropist said he didn’t draw salaries from the coffers of Imo State Government for the eight years he spent as Governor.

Okorocha, while interacting with members of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council in Abuja on Monday, also denied knowledge of how much in particular, a Senator receives as basic salary or allowances every month.

The lawmaker was at the NUJ for conversation with Abuja Journalists, as part of activities lining up for his 59th birthday anniversary, coming up on the 22nd September, 2021.

According to him, the Management of the National Assembly had his express approval from the beginning of his tenure as Senator, to channel his monthly salaries and other allowances into charity, which he said was initially objected to, by the Management.

“I have never received salary as a Senator. Even as a Governor of Imo State, I didn’t draw a penny for the years I spent. I hate public funds. One thing about public funds is that, if you don’t work for it, don’t collect it because it has spiritual implications”, Okorocha told the Journalists.

Speaking further on the basic salaries and allowances of Senators, Okorocha said, “I don’t know how much a Senator earns. But I think the basic salary is around N2m, but allowance is around N3m for housing, then transportation and other allowances put together to be around N10m or N11m, not too sure”.

Okorocha who has been clamouring for the reduction in the cost of governance by reducing the number of Senators to one for each State and three House of Representatives Members from each state, however, said the take home of the Senators was not that much, compared to their status and the cost of living.

“But truly speaking, can the N3m for housing allowance pay for the rent of a Senator? Except if you want them to go and live in Maraba and Nyanya.

“I have advocated that we reduce the numbers of Senators and Reps Members, but they said NO. So, if we must have these numbers of lawmakers in Nigeria, then we should be able to carter for their welfare also”, he added.

Okorocha, who spoke on wide issues of governance, unity and development of the country, also pointed that the judiciary must be strengthened, to compel citizens and leaders to be patriotic, as there lies the greatness of the Nigerian state.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of icon of humanitarian award to Senator Okorocha by the NUJ, as mark of his contributions to the emancipation of the Nigerian child through his foundation.

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Tinubu’s aide under fire over comment on Yahaya Bello arrest

Published

54 mins ago

April 19, 2024

Trends Admin

Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on Information & Strategy

Tinubu’s aide under fire over comment on Yahaya Bello arrest

The internet users has bombarded the twitter page (X) of the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga over his comment on former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who resisted arrest by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Recall EFCC declared the former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, wanted for alleged misappropriation of funds while in office. The development has been attracting mixed reactions from members of the public, and one of those who reacted was the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy.

On Thursday, the EFCC had declared Yahaya Bello wanted in connection with an alleged case of money laundering to the tune of about 80 billion naira.

Sharing a photo of the former governor online, the anti-graft agency said that anyone with useful information about his whereabouts should contact them.

Tinubu’s aide under fire over comment on Yahaya Bello arrest

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Updated: More trouble for Yahaya Bello as Immigration places him on watch list

Published

5 hours ago

April 19, 2024

Trends Admin

Updated: More trouble for Yahaya Bello as Immigration places him on watch list

The Nigeria Immigration Service has ordered the arrest of former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaha Bello, if found at any entry/exit point of the country.

The NIS said on Thursday night that Yahaya Bellowas placed on its watchlist after evading arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegation of N80 billion fraud.

This notice came a few hours after the EFCC had declared the former governor wanted.

The NIS, in a letter addressed to the Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency as well as other formations declared that Bello had been placed on its watch list.

The letter was signed by the Assistant Comptroller of Immigration (Suspect Index), D S Umar, on behalf of the Comptroller General of the Immigration Service.

Part of the letter read, “Suffice to mention that the subject is being prosecuted before the Federal High Court Abuja for Conspiracy, Breach of Trust and Money Laundering vide letter Ref: CR: 3000/EFCC/LS/EGCS.1/TE/V 1/279 dated 18th April 2024, if seen at any entry or exit point, he should be arrested and referred to the Director of Investigation or contact 08036226329/07039617304 for further action.”