“We Are Suffering Too” – Senator Nwebonyi Says Lawmakers Face Heavy Burden Despite Public Perception

Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, has stated that despite public assumptions about the lavish earnings of Nigerian lawmakers, many of them are under immense financial pressure due to the responsibilities they bear.

Speaking candidly with News Central TV on Thursday, Nwebonyi said that although his salary and allowances are public documents and can be easily accessed, anyone who experiences his financial burden firsthand would understand that lawmakers are “suffering and smiling.”

“If you want to know my salary, it would be easy to do that. It’s a public document. But if I spend it with you for two days, you will agree that we leaders are suffering,” he said. “This includes the allowance we get. If we place it on the table for one week, you will lend me some money.”

He attributed much of the financial strain to the expectations from constituents and the need to step in where government provisions fall short. According to the senator, he often funds key infrastructure projects in his constituency out of pocket, including the construction of bridges to connect remote villages projects he says are not reflected in the national budget.

“I’m building bridges to connect village to village. You cannot see it on the budget, but I cannot fold my hands as a leader and watch my people drown while trying to cross the river to the next village,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Nwebonyi emphasised his commitment to fulfilling the mandate given to him by the people. “This is what we campaigned for, the mandate we sought for, and we must use it to better the lives of our people even if it means personally going out of our way like I do from time to time.”

He also advised civil servants to find additional sources of income to support themselves, suggesting that even those earning ₦100,000 should consider productive activities during their spare time.

“If you are a civil servant, and maybe your salary is 100,000 you should think of what to do in your extra time to complement that.”