2023: It’s time to slash politicians’ pay, cost of governance in Nigeria — NNPP candidate
Felix Oti, Awka
Senatorial candidate of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) for Anambra Central Senatorial District, Princess Helen Mbakwe (Esq), has averred that the cost of governance in Nigeria is too high for a country owing over N44 trillion in debt.
She suggested that the best bet for a country with debt problem as Nigeria is to cut cost of governance, and reduce salaries and entitlements of political office holders, so that funds will be available for other infrastructural developments.
Mbakwe stated this yesterday, during a parley with members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State council led by its state Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Center, NUJ Secretariat,building, Awka.
She said, “Part of what we want to do in the Senate is to ensure that Nigeria cuts the cost of governance, by ensuring that what elected politicians take home as salaries and other entitlements are reduced drastically.
“With the country owing over N44 trillion in debt, there is no reason it should be extravagant in spending and consumption, without corresponding efforts to save for other infrastructural interventions.”
She also suggested that politicians seeking multiple tenures at the national assembly are covetous, and should not be encouraged. According to her, single tenure of 4 years is enough for a good politician to achieve her goals, then, hand over baton to another person with fresh ideas.
She also promised that as a senator, she would ensure that the three arms of government – the executive, the legislature and the judiciary, hold hands together to promote good governance.
She said, “I come out to contest because I believe that beyond 2023, there will be a new Nigeria and a new Anambra Central, where things will work well for the best interest of all Nigerians. Nigeria needs special intervention. The country need something new and beautiful.
“Come February 25, Anambra Central will take bold step in electing a senator that will help salvage the zone and the country; and that is what I’m out to do. I have fresh ideas and new plans for us. While we make frantic efforts to elect the best president for Nigeria; senators like us will be at the national assembly supporting the president with good laws that will move the country forward.”
She said that she remains the best candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial District because of her background in the law profession, and international contacts.
She summarised her 5 – point agenda in the acronym, SAFER, which include Security, Aspiration, Food (agriculture), Employment and Resolute representation.
She said that as a lawmaker, she would not only pursue legislation that would bring her agenda to life; but would also attract necessary agencies, government bodies and organizations that will help bring them to fruition for the betterment of her senatorial zone in particular, and Nigeria in general.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD encouraged electorates to go for their PVCs and ensure that they are part of making a new Nigeria possible.
Comrade Odogwu commended Princess Helen Mbakwe for her civility in the conduct of her campaigns, and wished her well in her ambition. He informed that NUJ is an unbiased umpire in the electoral processes, and would not hesitate to shout should anything go untoward, adding that a free and fair election is what everyone is praying for.
