Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu has welcomed former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kalu said Anyim’s decision would further spur development in the Southeast and Nigeria in general.
Anyim formally joined the APC at a remarkable event in Ebonyi State.
A statement by h Kalu’s Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, said having served as Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim will bring his wealth of experience to bear on the country’s progress and development.
He said: “It is my pleasure to welcome my big brother, the former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, to our great party, the APC. This decision is indeed a step in the right direction for the future of the Southeast and our country.
“With your experience and leadership, I believe this step will inspire other leaders to join hands in unity for the growth and development of our country. “Welcome to APC, Distinguished Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim.”
Kalu said the decision of Anyim who is also a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation to join the ruling party would further spur development in the south east region and Nigeria in general.
Anyim formerly defected to APC in a remarkable public event on Saturday, July 13, in Ebonyi State.
In a statement by his chief press secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu said having served as Senate president in the legislature and SGF under the executive arm of government, Anyim will bringing his wealth of experience to bear on the progress and development of the nation.
Kalu said: “It is my pleasure to welcome my big brother, the former Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, to our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This decision is indeed a step in the right direction for the future of the Southeast and our nation, Nigeria.
“With your experience and leadership, I believe that this step will inspire other leaders to join hands in unity for the growth and development of our nation.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu on Sunday, June 2, appealed to the Military to be civil in fishing out those responsible for the killing of soldiers at a checkpoint in Aba recently, appealing to them not to go on rampage.
In a statement signed by the chief press secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Kalu also said that the military would be doing a disservice to the people if they failed to fish out and bring to justice those responsible for the killing.
The statement said the deputy speaker was speaking when he paid a condolence visit to the 144 Infantry Battalion Headquarters in Asa, Ukwa West local government area of the state.
He said there was no justification for the mindless killing of military personnel on duty by yet-to-be-identified gunmen and threw his weight behind the directives by President Bola Tinubu to the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime and bring them to justice.
While commending the military for maintaining peace in the region through non-kinetic means, Kalu regretted the recent move by some criminal elements to scuttle the gains so far recorded.
He appealed to the military to be soft on the people while combing the city and its envious, pleading with them not to allow the innocent to suffer unduly.
He said: “In a time when we are trying to see how to encourage the soldiers who we believe need more for the sacrifice they make for this nation, the police need more, all the security agencies need more; at a time when we in parliament are struggling to see how we can better their lives, people are carrying guns. What a pain.
“Whatever made them do this, it’s a painful thing for this country. That is why all of us are rising boldly to condemn it, to condemn this act in its entirety.
“It has no justification especially when we have been begging with our Peace in South East Project. Since December 29, 2023, we’ve been pleading that we should no longer use kinetic ways to settle conflicts. We’ve been begging the security agencies. Enough of shooting, and they have respected our call.
“Even the Chief of Army Staff has gone around preaching non-kinetic means to settling our conflicts. He has been going around. I watch him. And he has been selling this to the rank of the file, saying, everything cannot be solved through guns. We can negotiate, we can talk, we can apply other skills. Not because they are weak, but because by their training, they are trying to employ a better approach to spill less blood.
“If you allow the military to be angry in this state, none of us will be safe. If they get angry and say they want to retaliate, we will not be safe in this Abia state. That is why we are still begging that that non-kinetic approach is still what will work.
“Let us not be provoked by those we kept our gun to save their lives. They are now picking up the gun to shoot us. They have shot Nigeria. They shot the parliament when they shot their husbands. They shot the Deputy Speaker when they shot their husband. They shot the rest of us.
“We want to urge the military, to please continue using your non-kinetic means. Do not because of this provocation, go on a rampage. But if there is any step to be taken to find those people, please do it. Do all you can because I know you can.
“I know your military intelligence skills. I know the security agencies in this country can come together if not for anything, but this one. Find us those who did this and let it be made public.
“Those people are not even supposed to be punished privately or in secret. They should be punished publicly so that others will learn from it. We say no to the spilling of blood.
“But the people who committed this, you’ll be doing us a disservice, the security agencies will be doing us a disservice if they are not found. If they are not found, it will encourage others to do more.
“Let the military, the Navy, the Air Force, the Police, the DSS, all of you should come together, find these people who did it. I’m happy Mr. President stood up and spoke firmly against this because he is a lover of peace.
“Mr. President attended my peace in Southeast initiative launching by sending the vice president to be Bende for us to flag off this peace initiative. To hear again that the same state where he went to the flag of a peace initiative that is based on non-kinetic is the same they came to cause havoc, will not make any leader happy.
“We are standing by all that Mr. President said that you have to find those who did this but in doing so, may the innocent not suffer.
“As the deputy speaker, I will not sit in Abuja very comfortable knowing that a uniformed man has been gone down in my state, men on duty to save us have been gunned down, I cannot sit comfortably in Abuja. That was why I came to partner with you and to support these women.
“I came with this array of people from all parts of Nigeria, 31 of us from Abuja. That will tell you how much we value you and the work you do and how much we value these people that we lost and the women who are here. We came in solidarity to say, we are standing with the military, we are standing with the soldiers, and we are happy with the work we are doing. And we are standing with this family and we are encouraging you.
“Let your strength show in this peace while you investigate. Let your strength show in not punishing the innocent. You have all it takes to grab every community, everywhere. But let not be innocent be punished. We will keep preaching peace. We will keep holding your hand. And we ask you to keep holding our hands to make sure that the place remains peaceful.
“There is fear in the land because the military has been provoked. And that’s the truth. And we cannot keep quiet as stakeholders”, he said.
The deputy speaker in conjunction with PISE-P donated N10 million to assist the wives of the slain soldiers.
“You are not alone. Weep no more. I know it is difficult but we are standing with you. That was why we decided to show you the first sign of love. We didn’t come empty-handed. We said since the governor came here and gave you a scholarship, we are going to open an account, a fund for all lovers of the work people are doing, the military is doing in this state to support the welfare of those who have lost their lives in the course of their duty.
“But in launching that fund, we are starting with 10 million. We are giving you today the sum of 10 million naira. This is the sum of 10 million naira. We want at least each of them to get 2 million to start a business on the side, not for school fees since the governor has taken care of school fees.
“This is coming from Peace in South East Project and the office of the deputy speaker and on top of that, we are opening accounts for all well-meaning southeastern people or any part of Nigeria who loves what the soldiers are doing to drop in their contributions. We will bring it and come and give it to them so that they will not lack. This is our way of saying we appreciate the work you are doing and please accept our condolences”, he said.
In his response, the Brigade Commander of the 114 Battalion, Brigadier O. O Diya who received the deputy speaker said efforts are already ongoing to apprehend the killers.
“We can assure you, sir, that those who committed this, we will look for them.
We will find them and we will smoke them out wherever they are.
“Efforts are already in place to ensure that we find them and make them pay for what they have done for making these women and her son go through this pain, this irreparable pain. It’s very unfortunate.
“And I can assure you that Abia State will regain that prominence that it had to be the safest state in the southeast. Please, just relax. Justice to be done and we will ensure that justice is seen and this act will never.”
House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has said despite the huge resources expended on various efforts to restore peace in the Southeast, insecurity still persists in the region.
He said the lingering crisis in the region prompted him and other peace-loving indigenes to establish the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P).
Kalu spoke yesterday when he hosted the directors of Institute for Peace, Security and Development Studies (IPSDS) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, led by their Co-Chairman, Chief Chikwe Udensi.
The Deputy Speaker announced that the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill would soon be sent to the President for assent.
He said: “In my private studies and others conducted by the team around me, we discovered that the kinetic approach, in isolation of non-kinetic mechanisms, was not delivering the expected deliverables of this engagement.
“Call it Operation Egwueke or Lion, or whatever you call it; it wasn’t delivering. Yet, Nigeria was spending so much money making those operations alive to the detriment of the blood of our citizens on the streets.
“We said no. It was about time we considered an alternative approach to the resolution of this conflict. That was why we birthed the Peace in South East Project, fortunately advancing, advocating, highlighting, showcasing the possibilities of achieving peace without the barrels of guns.
“The region was tired of hearing the sounds of guns that they heard over 50 years ago. A new sound reminded those who were around what they passed through. And that stimulated a new conversation about the war – not about reconciliation; about the pain, not about the progress towards peace.
“So, the more sounds of guns, the more history is told about how it re-echoes in the minds of those who lost their dear ones.
“We wanted to stop that. We said for the price of guns, give us other tools that are non-kinetic. Give us good roads, give us good hospitals. For the price of the budget for the military interventions, give us good hospitals. Give us grants, fulfill that promise of reconciliation, of reconstruction, of reintegration.
“That was what pushed us through the advocacy of Peace In South East Project to look for the lowest hanging fruits that catch up the desires and the dreams of the region in one bloc. That’s what we saw in the South East Development Commission Bill.”
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu said on Monday, May 20, that Nigeria’s diversity is not a call for division but a beautiful colouration that signifies the strength and unity of a people in a journey towards nationhood.
He said that though the country is made up of different ethnic groups and religions, the goal is one national objective.
The deputy speaker, spoke while delivering his Keynote Address at the commencement of a 2-Day National Engagement on Addressing Identity-Based Conflict with the theme “Mapping Actors to Reduce Identity Conflict” jointly organized by the International Republican Institutions (IRI) and National Endowment for Democracy (NED) at the National Assembly Library, Abuja.
He said: “Let me join others who spoke earlier today to say that our diversity is not is a call to division. It is a beautiful colouration that this nation has been blessed with. We should leverage the varieties that come from the different perspectives with which we view things to bring to the bricks and the walls of nation-building.
“It’s for us to join hands, not leaving one other hand because the colour is brown or black or because the tongue speaks Yoruba, Hausa or Igbo. Yoruba is Nigeria. Igbo is Nigeria. Hausa is in Nigeria. Efik is from Nigeria. My brother in the North is still my brother though I am from the South East.
“And my brother in the South West is still my brother. And you should be able to say the same that though we are designed differently with different embroideries on our garment, the garment that we all wear is called Nigeria.”
Kalu said ‘It is common logic at this crucial juncture of Nigeria’s evolution to say that a problem well stated is a problem half solved – and this is why we are all gathered here today toward charting a course to national cohesion by deliberating about how mapping actors can quell the fires of identity-based conflict in this great country of ours”.
He said for too long, the dark flames of identity-based conflict have cast a shadow over the nation, particularly in the North Central, North West, and South East geopolitical zones, adding that “we have witnessed the tragic consequences of ethnic tensions, religious divides, and competition for resources.
“But today, a flicker of hope ignites – the hope that by mapping the actors who fuel these conflicts, we can finally extinguish the flames and forge a path toward a more peaceful, unified Nigeria.
“Let us take, for instance, the herdsmen and farmers in the North Central geopolitical zones. By mapping these actors, we can identify the root causes of their competition for land and water. Perhaps it is a dearth in the adoption of modern animal husbandry techniques, or a decline in rainfall forcing farmers to encroach on traditional grazing areas.
“This knowledge empowers us to address specific issues, like investing in modern animal husbandry techniques and the deployment of modern agricultural extension services to support the herders or investing in irrigation projects.
“Similarly, mapping both civilian security arrangements and bandit groups in the North West could reveal crucial insights. We might discover that civilian security support groups are formed in response to a perceived lack of state security, targeting not only criminal gangs but also innocent herders from
neighbouring regions due to ethnic profiling.
“On the other hand, bandit groups might be fueled by a complex web of factors, ranging from poverty and unemployment to the influence of extremist ideologies”.
The Deputy Speaker said further that “the rise of violent agitations in the South East is another crucial piece of the puzzle. By mapping their motivations, we can determine if they are driven by a genuine desire for involvement and participation in the Nigerian polity or a sense of being neglected by the state.
“This insight allows us to address their grievances on two fronts. Firstly, we can explore avenues for increased political participation, through constitutional reforms and more progressive legislation to incentivize more political participation.
“Secondly, we can invest in targeted development projects within the region, demonstrating the federal government’s commitment to addressing their sense of marginalization.
“This two-pronged approach can foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity, potentially isolating the more radical elements within these groups and paving the way for peaceful dialogue and reconciliation – at least this is the logic behind the establishment of a Peace in South-East Project (PISE-P) masterminded by myself and members of the House of Representatives from the South East geopolitical zone.
“This national engagement is a clarion call to action. It is a call for collaboration – between government, civil society, community leaders, and international partners. It is a call for open communication, for listening to the whispers and the shouts, for recognizing the humanity in every face staring back at us.
“This national engagement represents a critical first step towards a more peaceful Nigeria. By meticulously mapping the actors who shape conflict dynamics, we can move beyond rhetoric and foster evidence-based solutions that address the root causes of division.
“This multi-pronged approach, informed by the knowledge gleaned from actor mapping, holds the potential to create a future where every Nigerian can thrive in an environment of security, dignity, and lasting peace.”
He also said that as part of efforts to restore peace to the South East, plans are to engage the services of Peace Marshals” in all wards in the region.
He spoke while addressing the Abia state caucus and local government executive members of Club 17 Peace Movement set up as a non-governmental organization eager to collaborate with similar organisations that have interests in fostering peace in Abia and South East Geo-political zone in general.
Kalu expressed optimism that when the South East Development Commission is established, it will bring solutions to the problems of Ndi Igbo, orchestrated by the civil War over fifty years ago.
He called for continuous support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, saying that the President has been very supportive and caring towards the plight of the Igbo people.
He said: “I like you people, you have quality men here, I can tell you without mincing words that you people know what you’re doing. I celebrate the power of the mind, the brain. If you’re able to articulate, I respect you more.
“I saw how your executive articulated your position, bringing into play what’s currently happening with the South-East Development Commission, what happened on the 29th of December PISE-P, the interventions we are making, the jobs we’re creating, appointments we’re bringing down home, my efforts towards releasing our brother Nnamdi Kanu which means that you’re in tune with things happening around you.
“When we succeed with Southeast Development Commission, some people here should play a role. The SEDC will be bringing the solution that we have had for over fifty years, post-civil war. How do we stop this marginalization, how do we develop our place? We are ingenious people, we use little and make it much. I made it clear in that bill, I was very expressive about it.”
Speaking further, he said that the “peace marshals” will be an arm of PISE-P, and will serve as peace preachers and reconciliation officers.
Assuring the group that he’s working very hard at the federal level in collaboration with the state government to attract more federal government projects to Abia.
Earlier, the chairman of Club17 Peace movement, Chief George Nnanna Kalu commended the Deputy Speaker for the good job he’s doing at the parliament, adding that the visit was to notify him of the inauguration of a five-man local government executives in all the 17 Local Governments and mandated them to come up with strategies that will assist to disseminate information of peace in their various areas.
Kalu appealed to the Deputy Speaker to further assist their members in getting federal board and parastatal appointments, and as Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, see to the possibility of increasing the number of states in the South East.
He assured the deputy speaker of their support for the creation of state police in Nigeria, adding that the present police structure is not meeting the demands of the people.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said on Monday, March 18, that those in government must work together to identify areas where the 1999 Constitution can be strengthened to better serve the needs of the nation.
Speaking at a retreat for Senior Legislative aides attached to his office, Kalu described the constitution as the bedrock of the nation’s democracy, saying ensuring its effectiveness is paramount.
He said the office aspires to be a hub for resolving the issues surrounding constitutional amendment by carrying out extensive research and analysing the potential impact of the proposed amendments engaging the public through town hall meetings and public hearings and collaborating with other stakeholders to ensure that proposed amendments are well-crafted and reflect the will of the people.
He said the parliament has been entrusted with the power to influence and shape the legislative landscape of the country, adding that this requires an understanding of the intricacies of law-making but also to perform our oversight function with the utmost integrity.
He said: “As aides, you must continue to uphold our standards in administering the office. Efficiency, professionalism, and ethical considerations should guide our interactions and decision-making process. You are not only custodians of my office but also ambassadors of our nation’s democratic values.
“An essential aspect of your duties lies in economic advisory. We are tasked with dealing with complex issues surrounding projects and budgets. This duty requires an in-depth understanding of our national economy, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to promoting sustainable economic growth.
In the realm of politics, you interface with the political aspects of the office.
“This role requires navigating the complex interplay of political interests and alliances while always keeping the nation’s best interest at heart.
“In the sphere of programs, you are entrusted with the execution of initiatives such as the Peace in the Southeast project (PISE-P), a project launched for the benefit of the Southeast region and the entire nation, the Benjamin Kalu Foundation, goodwill, and youth programs like leadership initiatives, to mention a few. We must arrange these programs to be actionable for partnership, optimizing the office’s capacity for the betterment of our society”.
Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Magaji Tambuwal, said synergy which translated to collaboration and teamwork, remains a critical success factor in any organisational setting, adding that no organisation succeeds in attaining its set goals without teamwork.
He said that as a law-making institution, the National Assembly relies on the mutual support of this tripartite structure to properly carry out its constitutional responsibilities of representation, legislation and oversight.
He said further that the 10th House of Representatives, in its Legislative Agenda (2023-2007), emphasizes the need for inter-chamber collaboration to enhance efficiency, advocate for public interests, provide checks and balances, and foster improved decision-making.
The CNA said the retreat was organised to provide Senior Legislative Aides with opportunities to engage in conversations that foster intra and inter-chamber synergy in the National Assembly to achieve success and enhance the intellectual abilities and skills of Senior Legislative Aide to facilitate effective collaboration and enhance the delivery of legislative services.
Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker Toby Okechukwu said the gathering marks a significant moment in the collective journey towards excellence, collaboration, and synergy.
According to him, the theme of this retreat, “Synergy and Success,” speaks to the fact that you cannot clap with one hand, neither can you wash with one hand, adding that the retreat is about forging that powerful “togetherness” that will propel the Deputy Speaker’s office and the institution of the National Assembly to greater heights.
He said: “As aides to the deputy speaker, we are entrusted with a profound responsibility—to support, enhance, and amplify the efficacy of the office. Our success is evaluated not only by individual accomplishments, but also by our ability to work together, communicate effectively, and coordinate our efforts toward a common objective”.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said that Nigeria has contributed in no small measures towards political stability in Commonwealth.
He also said that from peacekeeping missions to diplomatic initiatives to help resolve conflicts, the country has been at the forefront of efforts to maintaining peace and security within the Commonwealth and the wider international community.
The Commonwealth is an international association of 56 member states, the vast majority of which are former territories of the British Empire.
A statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu stated that Kalu made the submissions at the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth held at the British House of Commons in London, United Kingdom where he represented the Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass.
He said: “The 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth, under the theme “One Resilient Common Future,” is a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of unity and cooperation that binds our diverse nations together.
“As we celebrate the Commonwealth, we are also offered a moment to reflect on our collective journey and the pivotal role that Nigeria, as a proud member of this distinguished family, has played in promoting unity, contributing to the growth of the Commonwealth, and fostering global harmony.
“From peacekeeping missions to diplomatic initiatives to resolve conflicts, we have been at the forefront of efforts to maintain peace and security within the Commonwealth and the wider international community. Our role in supporting democratic processes and institutions across the Commonwealth has helped to strengthen governance and promote political stability.
“Our commitment to the Commonwealth ideals of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law remains unwavering, and we shall continue to strive to embody these principles in our actions, both within and beyond our borders.”
Kalu who regretted the crisis in some parts of the world however called for a united action against global challenges such as war and conflict, climate change, inequality amongst others.
“In a world ravaged by war and conflict, from the streets of Gaza to the fields of Ukraine, extending to the heart of Africa, our shared humanity is being threatened.
“Though geographically dispersed, these crises remind us of our intrinsic interconnectedness and the undeniable fact that our destinies are intertwined.
“As we look to the future, Nigeria remains committed to leveraging our natural and human resources to contribute to the growth and resilience of the Commonwealth. Only by working together can we address the global challenges of our time, including war and conflict, climate change, inequality, and the need for sustainable development. Nigeria’s vision is of a Commonwealth that is a model of cooperation in a fragmented world.”
In periods like this, businesses boom in Abuja especially for those operating at the various black markets where dollars is the transactional currency. It is also a yearly ritual. And there is no indication that this has stopped anyway.
Of course, there were occasions where some lawmakers had fallen short of the secret code and they were squirreled out as scape goats. But the question is: has that stopped anything? Does the fact that one of them was caught in a sting operation asking for millions of dollars to cover up an alleged oil theft case mean that others are not engaged in acts of economic sabotage from their privileged position? No. If these guys could, with brazen giggle, ignore Nigerians’ admonition that it was unpatriotic for them to collect multi-million naira SUVs when they could have gone for made in Nigeria cars to boost the local economy, then they could do anything as long as it would satisfy personal desires to acquire more and more. The good thing is that none of them is being sanctimonious or pretentious in this drive. Money is good. And access to government money is even sweeter. That is why it is not surprising that they became one big political family immediately issues of personal logistics sent directly to ‘mailboxes’ are mentioned. Isn’t it funny how these guys take an entire nation for a joke?
By the way, it is absolutely untrue that what the National Assembly takes from the annual budget couldn’t take it home. That is a white lie and it is deceptive. Since 1999 up till the present moment, the National Assembly has creamed off trillions of naira as allocations. Eyebrows would not have been raised if the lawmakers had spent most of the time drafting laws that would force the executive arm to sit on their butts and truly change the narrative of perennially fallen short of the people’s expectations. Instead, the opposite is the case. They are simply feeding fat and maximizing the benefits in that office for their personal peccadilloes while, occasionally, throwing crumbs to the people through so-called constituency interventions. How has that elevated the mass poverty and atrocious hunger in the land? When you ’empower’ gullible people with tools that can hardly fetch them a take home pay, is that not another way of spreading mass poverty with plastic laughter? The other day, we read about how lawmakers empower some ‘lucky’ constituents with wheelbarrows and other ancient stuffs. It’s not even funny again.
A May 18, 2015 report published in Premium Times and written by Ibanga Isine exposed the hidden wealth in the National Assembly and the money gets spent lavishly. According to that publication, the N130bn allocation to the National Assembly that year, after the leadership was cajoled to take a N20bn cut, “still outweighs the individual budgets of 19 states in Nigeria. The report further states that: “Only 17 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory Administration have budgets that are equal to, or above that of the National Assembly. The federal legislature consisting of the Senate, the House of Representatives, the National Assembly Service Commission and the Legislative Institute of Nigeria; has just over 2,000 persons. The National Assembly has 469 members in addition to legislative aides and other support staff which are less than 1, 600 persons. On the contrary, every state of the Federation has the full complements of the legislature, the executive, the judiciary, a robust civil service, and of course millions of citizens to care for. Some of the states with smaller budgets include Ebonyi (N80 billion), Yobe (N80.6 billion) Niger (80.8 billion), Ekiti (N80.9 billion), Gombe (N86. 8 billion), Zamfara (N92.8 billion), and Enugu (N96.7 billion). Others are Taraba, Benue, Jigawa and Adamawa. (See full list below). Currently, the national lawmakers have been found to be paying themselves salaries and allowances outside the recommendations of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC. A former RMAFC’s Chairman, Hamman Tukur, had publicly accused the legislators of paying themselves illegal salaries and allowances.”
That was in 2015 when Dr. Bukola Saraki ‘obtained’ the seat of the President of the Senate. Today, the same National Assembly with almost the same faces and serial legislators not only increased the 2024 budget from N27. 5 trillion presented by President Bola Tinubu with about N1.2 trillion, its leadership in its wisdom raised its budgetary allocation by a whopping 74.23 percent and therefore plans to spend N344.85bn! By the way, findings show that this allocation “will be the highest-ever allocation to the National Assembly whose initial allocation in the 2024 budget proposal was pegged at N197.93bn.” So, what else is there to say again? If you ask Kalu to come clean with the actual figure in personal salary and allowance accruable to each lawmaker, he would probably dribble round that question and feign ignorance of Tukur’s allegation. Yet, this is the same National Assembly which, like other elected officials, appointees and judicial officers got a 114 percentage salary increase as recommended by the RMAFC if the President had not refused to sign it into law. It is the same National Assembly that parades lawmakers as contractors of government projects including constituency projects. The same National Assembly whose members shortchange their aides and deny them of certain perks and perquisites spelt out in black and white in the letters of appointments. The same National Assembly whose members get allocated land in choice areas every four years. The same National Assembly whose members cash out whilst on routine oversight visits. What exactly has changed that the budgetary allocation skyrocketed to N334bn in a year when the government is spiritedly urging Nigerians to open another hole in their serially-abused economic belt-tightening strategy?
Indeed, the call for less opacity and more fiscal responsibility at the National Assembly extends beyond mere salary cuts. It encompasses a broader demand for transparency in budgetary allocations and expenditure. The staggering increase in the National Assembly’s budget allocation from N125 billion in past years to N334 billion in 2024 raises eyebrows – particularly at a time when the government emphasizes austerity measures and economic belt-tightening. While Kalu dismisses calls for salary cuts as impractical, many Nigerians view it as a necessary step towards fostering accountability and fiscal prudence. The sacrifice demanded of the electorate amidst economic hardships must be reciprocated by elected representatives who should lead by example. The urgency for reform within the National Assembly cannot be overstated. It requires a concerted effort to dismantle entrenched systems of patronage and cronyism, replacing them with a framework grounded in transparency, accountability, and public service. Lawmakers must heed the calls for self-abnegation and demonstrate a genuine commitment to the welfare of their constituents.
In conclusion, the discourse surrounding lawmakers’ compensation goes beyond mere financial considerations. It speaks to the fundamental principles of governance, accountability, and ethical leadership. As Nigerians navigate through the complexities of economic challenges, they rightfully demand transparency and accountability from their elected representatives. It is incumbent upon lawmakers to heed these calls and embark on a path towards genuine reform and national renewal. Since we have all agreed that the country is bleeding and a lot of sacrifices would have to be done in a bid to heal it, shouldn’t those feeding fat on it over the years bring something tangible to the table of recompense? Or would this singular gesture of self-abnegation impoverish our distinguished and honourable representatives?
Deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said that members of House are willing to make necessary sacrifice to enable their constituents to cope with the current high cost of living in the country.
Kalu, who spoke on Politics Today aired on Channels Television, said they were ready to make adjustments in their salary in the interest of the suffering Nigerian people.
The deputy speaker recalled that the parliament made similar sacrifices in 2020 to help cushion the effects of economic hardship imposed on the people by COVID-19.
He said although the salaries and allowance that the members of the parliament are receiving cannot actually take them home to do their jobs in their various constituencies, they are however always ready to put the nation and their constituents first in their consideration.
He said that the leadership of the National Assembly is a selfless one and is willing to make necessary sacrifices for the good of the country.
He said: “I can assure you like we call it the people’s parliament, the pulse of the nation determines what we do. If we found out that people were suffering and we needed to make sacrifices, we will able to identify with the people.
“I can assure you as well that we are not hoping that this crisis we are going through will linger for a very long time. When you have sound government policies, it doesn’t end with policy pronouncements. We need to give timeline for the maturation of that policy.
“At the moment, the salary of National Assembly members is not as much as people think. Salary is different from allowance which is meant to do the jobs the constituents have sent us to do.
“Nobody is allowed to touch allowances, it is your salary that belongs to you. Allowances have what they are meant for. If you use it wrongly, you will be sanctioned for that.
“However, I can assure you of the selflessness of those leading the National Assembly. They are willing to adjust if needs be. If that’s what will help Nigerians move to the next level. We didn’t elect ourselves to be here, we were voted by our constituents.
“I assure you that when we feel their pulse and we see that through critical analysis that’s unbiased that it is what will plug the gaps, we will do that.”
