Fellow Nigerian, let me say categorically that it’s only here in Nigeria where citizens argued on every events that unfolds.every now and then we just enjoy argue on issues as unfolds.the argument about the salaries and allowances of Nigeria lawmaker’s has been lingering for a while.
As someone who is passionate about social and political issues, I feel compelled to share my thoughts on the controversy surrounding lawmaker’s wages and salaries in Nigeria. As an extrovert, I don’t shy away from speaking my mind and contributing to national discussions. With my keen interest in current events, garnered from being a voracious reader of newspapers and an avid follower of TV programs, I feel it’s my duty to share my perspective on this pressing matter.
Through this article, I aim to share my thoughts, ideas, and concerns, and contribute to the ongoing discussion on this critical issue. I hope to inspire others to join the conversation and work together towards creating a better future for Nigeria.
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, yesterday sparked a national conversation by revealing his salary and allowances while in office during the 8th Senate at the two-day House of Representatives open week celebration in Abuja, Dogara clarification was necessary following public misconception that members of the National Assembly earn huge salaries and allowances isn’t huge? His basic salary was 400,000 naira, while his allowances totaled a staggering 25 million naira monthly This admission has raised critical questions about the role of leaders in addressing Nigeria’s pressing problems.
As a statistician let me put this amount into perspective. 25 million naira monthly as Dongara revealed in twelve months totalling three hundred million Naira (300,000,000,) and One billion two hundred million Naira in four years (1,200,000,000,000,) we could:
– Build several healthcare clinics, providing quality medical care to million of Nigerians
– Construct and repair roads, reducing the number of accidents and making transportation safer
– Equip our security forces with necessary resources, enhancing their ability to protect citizens
– Create jobs and empower youth, reducing unemployment and insecurity
It’s glaring that the current presidential system of government is too expensive and unsustainable. As former CBN Governor now emier of Kano State Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (SLS), aptly pointed out during the Seven Senate while in office and appeared before the Nigeria Senator’s 25% of Nigeria’s budget goes into paying lawmakers’ salaries and allowances. This is unacceptable and hinders economic growth.
Dongara’s statement, while attempting to justify his earnings, inadvertently highlights the need for reform. It’s time for Nigeria to reconsider the presidential system and adopt a more cost-effective parliamentary system. This would allow for part-time lawmakers, reduced salaries, and a more efficient use of resources.
By fixing our healthcare, infrastructure, security, and economy, we can create a Nigeria where citizens thrive without relying on their representatives for assistance. Let’s heed this wake-up call and work towards a more prosperous and secure future.
These statements highlight a crucial point: if Nigeria’s leaders focus on fixing the country’s problems, such as providing quality healthcare, infrastructure, and job opportunities, citizens will not need to rely on them for assistance. It is the responsibility of leaders to create an environment where citizens can thrive and access basic necessities without having to beg for help.
Former Speaker Dogara’s statement, while well-intentioned, misses the point. Instead of justifying their salaries, leaders should focus on creating a system where citizens can access quality healthcare, education, and job opportunities without relying on their representatives for assistance. Only then can we build a truly prosperous and secure Nigeria.
At the program yesterday Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sanni, has also called for the establishment of state police and job creation for unemployed youth, arguing that this would help address insecurity in the region it’s time for north-west governor’s to work as a teams to find a lasting solution to Killing and kidnapping of Nigeria enough is enough.
Similarly, the former Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Senator Dr,Victor Umeh representing Anambra Central during a recent interview on AIT television appearance, highlighted that senators are often accused of receiving huge salaries, but people fail to recognize the many individuals who rely on them for assistance if social amenities are provided no citizens will run to them for assistance that is the fact.
End.
Comrade Mashood Lanrey Osho is a Human Right Activist, Anti-corruption Crusader, Author of two different books and public policy Analyst.
4th of July 2024.
Aduagba Faruq is a skilled writer, conversationist, and freelance journalist with a strong background in English and Literary Studies. He crafts engaging stories with passion, truth, and creativity.