Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo says President Muhammadu Buhari’s monthly salary is just over N2 million yet the he receives only half of it.
Osinbajo said this on Friday at the public presentation of a book, ‘Making Steady, Sustainable Progress for Nigeria’s Peace and Prosperity’, at the State House, Abuja.
He said that it was Buhari’s decision to halve his salary that made him (Osinbajo) to do the same.
“Some things have not been included in the book and I might just supply some of that,” OSinbanjo said.
“One of such things is the exemplary frugality, the honesty and humility, and sense of humour of Mr. President.
“That frugality can sometimes be a problem. As you know, Mr. President decided that since government provides accommodation, food and transportation for the President and the Vice-President, we didn’t need a full salary.
“Now, how much is this salary by the way? It is public knowledge and I think it is N1, 750,000.00 or so, which is under N2m. He said he would take only half of his salary and so I had no choice but also to take half of my own salary.
“In a country where politicians sometimes want to be as wealthy as Dangote, it is refreshing to have a President who most people won’t even dare to discuss any private benefit on a project with let alone a bribe or a kick-back.”
Osinbajo said that Buhari, by his prudence and honesty, has been able to support state governments with bailouts, spending over N1 trillion on capital projects and meeting other obligations in spite of the recession.
“Mr. President’s unassuming personality and humility, is in my view, probably his greatest strength. This is why he is never flattered, or carried away by praise or adulation,” Osinbajo said.
“He has always said ‘I don’t pretend to know all the answers. I am here to provide stability and leadership, to a generation, a group of people, determined to run this country honestly, to provide jobs and prosperity to the poor, and our huge youth population’.
“I remember when he was on medical vacation, and I was speaking with him on the phone fairly regularly and giving him a rundown of what was going on, especially when he was on the first medical vacation.
“He said to me, ‘Don’t worry about telling me all that is happening, I rely on your judgment keep doing your best, what if I drop dead? You would have to run it anyway’. I had to say to him that his dropping dead was not part of the plan.
“The greatest challenge is how to take the tough decisions, do the difficult things, and keep the people’s support.
“I suppose you cannot be a Buhari and shy away from tough decisions, and the President has not been afraid to take the bold decisions even when they are criticised.
“What has happened so far under this government is the tough business of laying strong foundations. The first, is honesty and good governance, and prudence in government spending.”