The National Assembly has been synonymous with bumper pay. Right from the start of democracy in Nigeria, our lawmakers have received bumper salaries and allowances. They virtually receive allowances for every basic needs ranging from house allowance, vehicle allowance, wardrobe allowance etc. The 8th National Assembly was inaugurated last week and their allowances have been announced. They are to get N9 billion jumbo pay. Sounds ridiculous right? In a country where the average
Nigerian child lives below 2 dollars a day,this highlights how our so-called leaders are insensitive to the penurious state of the Country, I can’t fathom why a lawmaker should be given wardrobe allowance. Were they naked before they were elected? There are lots of destitute people who roam about the streets naked. These needless allowances should be diverted to create shelter, clothing and food for them. Through this medium, the crime rate in the country would reduce drastically. Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki recently said the claim that the National Assembly members would earn ₦8.6 billion as wardrobe allowances was inaccurate and exaggerated. Whatever the case may be, they would be given allowances. It’s high time we got out priorities right in Nigeria.
Hahaha, APC!!! CHANGE……. It is shameful that in the early stages of the APC-controlled Government, the party has been divided by rancour. There is a rumour been spread that all is not well between Senator Bola Tinubu and former Vice-president, Atiku Abubakar over the control of the party. More recently, another divison occurred over the emergence of Dr. Saraki and Honourable Yakubu Dogara as Senate President and Speaker, House of Representatives respectively against the wish of the party. The party had adopted Senator Ahmad Lawan and Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila as its candidates. While Saraki won unopposed, Dogara defeated Gbajabiamila in a fiercely-contested election. It was obvious that PDP lawmakers supported them. It should be recalled that Saraki and Dogara defected from PDP. The bone of contention is that both lawmakers are not faithful to the party. However, it should be noted that the same APC welcomed both men into their party. Members of the APC are paranoid because they think both leaders would favour the PDP. This is a bad start to the new National Assembly and concerted efforts should be made to ensure unity in the upper and lower houses.
“I wish I became Head of State when I was a governor, just a few years as a young man. Now at 72, there is a limit to what I can do.” – Muhammadu Buhari. (Culled from The Punch). These were the words of the President at the 25th Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Johannesburg. The words can be interpreted in various ways. He could be described as weak and ineffective. The opposition party, PDP have released statements portraying Buhari in bad light. However, the Presidency
as said that like good wine, Buhari gets better with age. Whatever the case may be, the president has no excuse not to perform his duties effectively. He canvassed for votes in his old age and got them so he has obligations and responsibilities to attend to. He really has to perform exceptionally well. The Masses have high hopes in him and he cannot afford to let us down. Muhammadu!!! Please don’t fail us.
Finally, Ramadan has started. It is the season in which the Islamic faithfuls abstain from eating, drinking or smoking anything from dawn to sunset, However, this year’s Ramadan coincides with the summer heat in the Middle East where the fast could reach 15 hours a day. It is widely known that the Ramadan fast is one of Islam’s five pillars. The other four include praying five times a day, declaration of faith, alms-giving and the pilgrimage to mecca located in Saudi Arabia. However, it is important to note that this period isn’t the only time for Muslims to be holy. They need to adhere strictly to every Islamic tenet. Above all, I wish every muslim faithful a blissful and hassle-free fasting period.
Kunle Okenla
