by Alexander O. Onukwue

The veteran Professor of Law and presidential adviser on anti-corruption, Itse Sagay is another war of words with the Senate.

In an address delivered at a forum of International Law enthusiasts in Lagos, Sagay made the allegations about the remunerations of Nigerian Senators which reflected astronomical amounts rivaling those of the American President.

Prof Sagay has been one of the fiercest critics of the National Assembly over time but the present one could not be allowed to slide by the members of the Upper Chamber. Through Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the lawmakers have branded Sagay as “senile, jaded, rustic, and outdated” for attempting to mislead Nigerians on their salaries. The Senate’s statement condemns Sagay for amplifying beer parlour rumors instead of going to the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Allocations Committee for correct details regarding their take home packages.

But the Prof is doubling down on his facts. Disregarding the reference to him as a “loose cannon”, he stands on his belief that the roster of six and seven figure allowances – including a frankly befuddling hardship allowance – which he presented at the lecture was a true reflection of the Senate’s emoluments. He did not quote his source, neither confirming nor denying that it could have been from the RMFAC, which seems highly unlikely anyway.

Prof Sagay is one of Nigeria’s most widely read academics and intellectuals, with his texts on Contract Law an acclaimed companion for the last two generations of students studying for practice in Nigeria. He has for long been an acclaimed critic of Governments, especially of the previous PDP administration of Goodluck Jonathan. However, since being appointed to the President Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption (PACAC), many have observed his tone to be less forceful with the objectivity that defined his reputation over the years.

He has been fiercely defensive of the Buhari administration in all matters, including of controversial topics like the raid of Judges and Justices by the DSS, and was particularly interested in the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki.

The motive of his latest attack on the members of the Senate is discernible enough – to point to the widely perceived extravagance of the Senate which does not reflect the wider sufferings in society. However, for the sheer nature of those outrageous numbers, it may be worthwhile for him to fact check and quote his sources. If possible, get Nigerians to see receipts.

Op-ed Editor