A House of Representatives lawmaker from Lagos state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, Oghene Egoh has denied ongoing reports that House members were paid recess allowance.
Egoh, who represents Amuwo Odofin federal constituency also said that in view of the downturn in the nation’s economy, lawmakers’ allowances had been reduced by 30%, The Punch reports.
The lawmakers have only had sittings for 14 days since they were inaugurated.
The PDP lawmaker said: “The report that lawmakers were paid recess allowance is far from the truth. There is nothing like that. There were some allowances paid in lieu of accommodation for lawmakers.
“Before former President Olusegun Obasanjo left office, the official quarters were sold. So, when we came in, money was paid into lawmakers’ accounts for accommodation, as most of us do not live in Abuja.”
He stated that some of the payments which had been reported might be loans taken by lawmakers to buy cars since they were not given official cars. There is nothing like recess allowance.
Egoh further added that their income has been reduced by 30% which means that whatever the previous lawmakers enjoyed has been reduced by 30%.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Elias Mbam had on Tuesday, August 25, said a new salary and allowance package for senators and House members will be made available by September.
