The lawmaker, who represents Kaltungo/Shongom federal constituency of Gombe State, stated this on Thursday, October 1, in Abuja at an event to mark Nigeria’s 60th Independence anniversary.
The event was tagged “FixingNigeria at 60- Sustainable and efficient democracy: Issues on accountability and transparency in governance”.
The lawmaker, who was among the guest speakers, said the sum includes monthly salaries and the office’s running cost. He, however, said most of the monthly funds were spent on constituents’ high demands.
“The official salary of a member, House of Representatives which I also receive monthly is N800,0000. I told you I was going to say it, why don’t you wait for me to say it? The office running cost of a member of the House of Representatives is N8.5 million,” he said.
“Those of you who know, know that I said exactly what it is. The problem is what the constituents demand and when you don’t meet (up), they begin to call you names.
“Just before I walked to the stage, I received three emails from my constituents demanding for money and demanding for jobs, when you don’t, it becomes an issue.”
Another member of the House at the event, Nicholas Ossai debunked Mr Karu’s revelation, urging the audience to disregard same.
“I have never received such salary since I came to the National Assembly and I have been in the National Assembly before him,” Mr Ossai said.
