- Says It’s Sacrifice in View of Current Economic Situation
By Halimah Olamide
Speaker Abbas indicated that each member earns approximately N600,000 monthly, resulting in a total contribution of about N108 million per month from the 360 members.
The House of Representatives on Thursday cut their salaries by 50% as part of their sacrifices in view of the economic downturn in the country.
The lawmakers at the Green chamber said the cut in pay will be for six months.
Speaker Abbas indicated that each member earns approximately N600,000 monthly, resulting in a total contribution of about N108 million per month from the 360 members.
The funds will be directed to the government for the purchase of food items to distribute to Nigerians.
The decision followed a debate on a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka (APC,Ogun), which emphasised the importance of halting proposed nationwide protests, maintaining peace, avoiding violence, and fostering meaningful engagement with government at all levels to address pressing issues.
The deputy speaker proposed amending a motion appealing to young Nigerians planning protests due to the country’s hardships, suggesting that members should consider sacrificing half of their salaries to combat hunger.
However, when the Speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen put the motion to voice vote, the majority of members voted in favour of the motion.
In proposing the amendment, Kalu had reminded members that the House took a similar decision during the COVID-19 era and it worked very well for the country.
The speaker commended members for their resolve to sacrifice part of their salaries to address hunger in the land just as some members asked the Executive to also make sacrifices in line with what the lawmakers have done.
While Moving the motion earlier, Hon. Isiaka said while the citizens of Nigeria have the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest to address their grievances; the House presents with a humble plea, a plea for reason, understanding, and unity in the face of Adversity.
He said maintaining peace and engaging in constructive dialogue with the government is crucial for the resolution of issues facing the nation.
He said further: “Be it resolved that this honourable House appeals to the proponents of the proposed nationwide protest in Nigeria to consider a different path, a path of patience, dialogue, and collaboration, prioritize peace and open channels for meaningful engagements with the government at all levels.
“Be it further resolved that all stakeholders should uphold the principles of democracy. Respect human rights, and uphold the rule of law in their actions and engagements; we trust that through peaceful engagement and dialogue, we can collectively work towards building a better and brighter future for Nigeria”.
The Ogun Lawmaker said: “It is undeniable that Nigeria is facing significant challenges, challenges that have plagued our nation for far too long. The issues of insecurity, unemployment, and poverty weigh heavily on the hearts of every Nigerian. The desire for change, for progress, for a better tomorrow is a sentiment that unites us all.
“The challenges we face are not unique to Nigeria alone. These are issues that countries across the globe grapple with on a daily basis. In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, no nation is immune to the complexities of governance and development.
“The road to change is not easy, and the journey towards a brighter future is often fraught with obstacles. But we must not lose sight of the incremental steps that have been taken, the reforms that have been implemented, and the strides that have been made towards a more prosperous Nigeria.
“Change does not happen overnight, it requires patience, perseverance, and a commitment to working together towards a common goal. While peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a democratic society, it is also important to allow the government the space and opportunity to consolidate the progress that has already been achieved.