Reveal Buhari, Osinbajo, ministers’ running cost, Okupe tells Sagay

Former Presidential Spokesman, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has challenged the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay, to carry out his threat to reveal details of the running cost of the principal officers of the National Assembly.


He,  however, said Sagay should also include that of President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice- President Yemi Osinbajo, ministers, special advisers to the President, and other top government functionaries, including himself.

Okupe in a statement on Tuesday, said failure by Sagay to give correct figures of the running cost of all top members of the Buhari government and the leadership of the federal parliament within 24 hours would affect his credibility.

Okupe said,  “I find the threat by Prof. Sagay on allowances and running cost of the leadership of the National Assembly very interesting. It will aid our fight for transparency in public affairs.

“However, he should not be selective. For us to take him seriously, he should include details of the running cost of the office of the President, Vice-President, ministers, special advisers, heads of government agencies, parastatals and even himself. After all, all the salaries, allowances and running cost come from the same public coffers.”

Okupe also challenged Sagay to disclose his pay package, and how much he spends on his numerous trips within and outside the country from funds donated by international agencies.

He said, “For Prof. Sagay to say that the country would explode if he gives out certain figures is inciting, considering  the current volatile and tensed situation in the country.

“It will also be interesting if Sagay can tell Nigerians the achievements of his committee in the last 30 months that it has been spending government money.”