Federal government has reportedly failed to pay the country's ex-leaders their monthly salaries and allowances since January because of a cash crisis, government secretary Babachir Lawal has said. 


He made the disclosure during a meeting with group of senators, raising questions about whether the government was in breach of the constitution which guarantees ex-leaders salaries for life, reports BBC.

There are six ex-leaders whose salaries have been cut, including that of 91-year-old Shehu Shagari, who was elected in 1979 and overthrown by the military in 1983 after winning elections. 

Unlike Mr Shagari, other ex-leaders are wealthy so they are unlikely to feel the pinch. 
They include:
  • Olusegun Obasanjo - military ruler from 1976 to 1979 and elected president from 1999 to 2007

  • Ibrahim Babangida  - military ruler from 1985 to 1993


  • Ernest Shonekan - interim president in 1993

  • Abdulsalami Abubakar - military ruler from 1998 to 1999.


Current President Muhammadu Buhari, who is also a former military leader, was elected to office last year after defeating Mr Jonathan - the first Nigerian leader to relinquish power without a fight.

According to BBC it is likely that the salaries of vice-presidents have also been stopped.