‘A Serving Lawmaker Couldn’t Pay ₦700,000 School Fees’ — Obika

A member of the House of Representatives, Chinedu Obika, has sought to counter public perceptions about the financial status of federal lawmakers, revealing that one of his colleagues recently struggled to pay his daughter’s ₦700,000 school fees despite serving in the National Assembly.

Obika, who represents the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency of the Federal Capital Territory, disclosed that he personally assisted the unnamed colleague by paying the tuition. He made the revelation while speaking during an interview on KAA Truths, where he addressed recurring claims that lawmakers are excessively compensated.

According to the lawmaker, the incident reflects the reality that not every member of the National Assembly enjoys the level of financial comfort often attributed to elected legislators.

“Now let me tell you something you don’t know. I can tell you that about two months ago, a colleague of mine could not pay ₦700,000 for his daughter’s school fees, and I was the one who helped him get that done; a member!” Obika said.

He argued that silence among some lawmakers during legislative proceedings should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that they had been financially induced or were benefiting from undisclosed privileges.

“So if it’s about personal enrichment, that’s why members are not speaking. If you’re not getting anything, you’re not speaking.

“I have never seen that kind of thing in my life. In fact, one member fought over it. National Assembly members fight when good things go to them, not when they keep quiet. So outsiders think it’s when they keep quiet that something is wrong,” he added.

Although he withheld the identity of the legislator involved, Obika maintained that the earnings and official entitlements of National Assembly members are transparent and accessible to the public.

He urged Nigerians to challenge lawmakers with verifiable figures rather than rely on speculation or unsubstantiated claims regarding their remuneration.

“Every entitlement meant for a member is publicly available. If you haven’t found something specific, tell me, ‘Honourable, they said this is such-and-such amount,’ and I’ll respond to it directly,” he said.