Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, has sparked outrage following his recent comments about his ₦14 million monthly earnings.
During an interview on Politics Today with Seun Okinbaloye, aired on Channels Television on Thursday, Kalu remarked that the amount he receives as a senator is insufficient to cover his expenses.
“I earn ₦14 million for everything in a month. This money, I have to buy fuel, I have to travel to my constituency, I have to maintain my constituency office. The money is not enough,” Kalu said.
Watch the video below;
https://x.com/Imranmuhdz/status/1847011834827595796?s=19
However, his statement has not sat well with many Nigerians, particularly given the current economic hardship in the country. Amid soaring inflation and a high cost of living, the majority of Nigerians earn significantly less than the senator, with many surviving on less than ₦50,000 monthly.
Netizens were quick to express their displeasure, questioning how a senator could claim ₦14 million was insufficient when the average Nigerian struggles to make ends meet on a fraction of that amount. Some pointed out the stark contrast between Kalu’s complaint and the reality of workers who earn ₦33,000 or less, which barely covers transportation and feeding expenses in a month.
“This is so insulting to everyday Nigerians,” one commenter wrote on social media. “If ₦14 million isn’t enough for a senator, then what about those who live on ₦50,000 or less? What should they say?”
Read some netizens’ reactions to Kalu’s statement below;
@scholarese: Really , what will the Nigerian receiving 40k per month say? How do they even survive? It’s a burden to me
@hassan: A civil servant earning 33k will now say what?
@Farouk_Moukwa: How on earth is 14m not enough?
What of other allowances allocated to them?
You should cut down cost of NASS
gimme that 14m and I’m set for life
@jagabanolu: What a bunch of nonesense and illogicality from kalu!
@biolaolaniyan: A senator in Nigeria earns N168m p.a from the public treasury and we have 109 of them. Is Nigeria actually poor?
He was saying it confidently and with all sense of entitlement. No wonder they always want to retire in that chamber after tasting other offices at the State level!!
@nazirus: Imagine a person who can earn 14 millions per month in Nigeria couldn’t to maintain his monthly life status but the same person doesn’t help his juniors workers to earn even N100k per month salary…!
The backlash underline the widening disconnect between Nigerian politicians and the citizens they represent, especially at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with economic pressures like high fuel prices and food costs.
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