Former Senator Ishaku Abbo, who represented Adamawa North Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly, has stirred debate with his recent comments about the financial realities of holding public office in Nigeria. In an interview on Arise TV, Abbo claimed that despite substantial earnings during his time in the Senate, he ended up financially worse off.
Abbo revealed that his cumulative monthly earnings in the Senate, which included a base salary of ₦1 million and various allowances totaling ₦14.4 million, were insufficient given the demands of his role. He noted that current senators earn approximately ₦29 million monthly but admitted that this amount can appear misleading when considering the actual financial strain of public service.
Abbo shared a personal account of his financial struggles, explaining that he had to leave a successful business to enter politics. He described the substantial costs of assisting constituents, including a notable instance where he spent ₦14 million on medical care for an individual.
He also drew comparisons to state governors, alleging they receive up to ₦1 billion monthly for state responsibilities, contrasting this with his own experiences. Abbo’s revelations come amid ongoing debates about the remuneration of Nigerian lawmakers, adding a new dimension to the discussion about the financial realities of public service in Nigeria.