By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
MEMBERS OF the House of Representatives announced the decision to slash their salaries by 50 percent for six months.
This decision comes as a response to the economic challenges facing Nigerians.
The resolution was passed during Thursday’s plenary session after adopting a motion of urgent public importance.
Motion Sponsored
The motion, titled “An Appeal to the Proponents of Proposed Nationwide Protest to Maintain Peace, Eschew Violence, and Open the Windows for Meaningful Engagements with Government at All Levels to Address their Issues,” was sponsored by Ibrahim Isiaka from Ogun State.
Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu proposed the amendment to cut salaries, describing it as a worthy sacrifice.
He stated that lawmakers earn ₦500,000 monthly, but Speaker Tajudeen Abbas corrected him, noting that they receive ₦600,000.
Urge for Patience
Kalu emphasized that the nation’s problems did not arise overnight, and one year is insufficient for the current administration to resolve these issues.
He argued that carrying placards and protesting would not solve the problems and urged for patience and dialogue.
Ahmed Jaha from Borno echoed Kalu’s sentiments, highlighting that it would take a “reasonable period” to address the country’s challenges.
He urged young Nigerians to give the government the benefit of the doubt and noted that the cost of living in Nigeria is cheaper than in most African countries.
Motion Passed
Despite the loud opposition, Abbas declared the motion passed and referred it to the committees on appropriation, finance, national planning, and humanitarian affairs for further legislative action.
