From David Onuoja, Abuja
Members of the 10th House of Representatives, have resolved to reduced their salaries by 50 percent for the next six months, as part of their sacrifice to support the economic hardship Nigerians are going through.
The decision was followed by the adoption of an amendment to a motion’s prayer proposed by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Okezie Kalu. Kalu in the motion, emphasized the need for lawmakers to sacrifice 50% of their N600,000 monthly salaries to support struggling Nigerians.
He explained that the salary reduction is aimed at aiding the federal government in combating the escalating cost of foodstuffs and alleviate the hardships faced by the populace.
The Deputy Speaker’s amended prayer, was to a motion by Rep Isiaka Ayokunle, calling on proponents of the planned nationwide protests to throwaway the idea and engage the government in a dialogue.
Note that the prices of food items, transportation, electricity tariff amongst other have greatly skyrocketed and is still increasing on a daily basis.
Recalled that the Organised Labour have been at loggerheads with the government of President Bola Tinubu, over the increase of salaries for workers.
Agreeing to cut down their salaries by 50 percent, the 360 lawmakers will be forfeiting about N108 million monthly for the next six months.
The motion was unanimously adopted by lawmakers through a voice vote and referred to the committees on Humanitarian Affairs, Finance and Budget for compliance.
However, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on his X handle, while commending the members, likened the “sacrifice” of the lawmakers as a drop in the ocean. Saying the demons are in the allowances and not salaries of the lawmakers.
In the same vein, Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, also his X handle, commended their action, but said the office running cost of the House of Representatives is the “real devil” and not salary.
