Mixed reactions as Reps halve salaries for six months

…Action commendable, but a drop in ocean – Atiku

By Sodiq Adelakun

The House of Representatives has announced a 50 percent slash in their salaries for the next six months in response to the growing economic hardship and hunger in the country.

The decision, which has been met with mixed reactions from Nigerians, is seen as a rare display of empathy by the lawmakers towards the plight of ordinary citizens.

It was taken during a plenary session in Abuja on Thursday, following a motion of urgent public importance by Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka (APC, Ogun).

According to Isiaka, the motion was aimed at promoting peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement with the government to address the challenges facing the nation.

He urged the proponents of the planned nationwide protest to consider a different path, one of patience, dialogue, and collaboration.

“Let us stand united as one nation, one people, with a shared vision for a better Nigeria. Together, we can overcome the challenges that lie before us,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, pleaded with the lawmakers to cut their salaries by 50 percent for six months to support the government in providing succour to the citizenry. This, he said, would demonstrate their commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and their willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good.

The motion was subsequently adopted, and the House resolved to communicate it to all relevant stakeholders and the general public to promote a peaceful and constructive approach to addressing national issues.

In an amendment to the motion, the Deputy Speaker of the House Rep, Benjamin Kalu pleaded with the lawmakers to cut their salaries by 50 percent for six months.

This, he said, was to support the government in providing succour to the citizenry over the hardship, and sequel to the August nationwide planned protest.

Presenting his motion, Isiaka said that the citizens of Nigeria had the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest to address their grievances.

He said, “The house presents with a humble plea, a plea for reason, understanding, and unity in the face of adversity.”

He said that maintaining peace and engaging in constructive dialogue with the government was crucial for the resolution of issues facing the nation.

He appealed to the proponents of the proposed nationwide protest in Nigeria to consider a different path, a path of patience, dialogue, and collaboration.

He urged them to prioritise peace and open channels for meaningful engagements with the government at all levels.

He further said 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.”

According to him, 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.”

He said that the current challenges were not unique to Nigeria alone, adding that they were 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.”

He said, “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.”

He added that change would not happen overnight, adding that it required patience, perseverance, and a commitment to working together towards a common goal.

He said, “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.”

He urged the proponent of the planned protest to engage in constructive dialogue, and seek solutions through peaceful means.

“Let us stand united as one nation, one people, with a shared vision for a better Nigeria. Together, we can overcome the challenges that lie before us.

“Together, we can build a future that we can all be proud of.

“The House urges you, our fellow Nigerians, to consider the broader perspective, to act with wisdom and foresight, and to support efforts towards a more stable, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.

“Let us reason together. let us listen to one another, and let us work hand in hand towards a brighter tomorrow.

The House said that the motion would be communicated to all relevant stakeholders and the general public to promote a peaceful and constructive approach to addressing our national issues.

Nigerians on X, formerly Twitter, have reacted to the slash in salaries of House of Representatives members. Some users have expressed scepticism and criticism, with one user stating

“This is not the point where we clap for you,” wrote (Concerned citizen @TimedFrank).

Another user, Africanus @ PlatinumGemz, saw the proposal as an admission of the government’s poor performance and a reason to reinforce the resolve to protest.

Other users, such as Lukside @ Lukside, have argued that the proposal is a sign of the power of protest and that the slash should be permanent, not just for six months.

@Osagie_ autos has also expressed scepticism, stating that the proposal is not sincere and that the members’ survival does not depend on their salaries.

Captain Sparrow @mumuface has called the proposal a “SCAM” and suggested that if the members were serious, they would slash their other allowances, such as those for cars, housing, and personal assistants.

In the same vein, Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has commended the House of Representatives for their decision to cut  but has also suggested that the real issue lies in their allowances, not salaries.

Atiku stated that the move is “commendable” but “a drop in the ocean” compared to the allowances that lawmakers and government officials receive.

“The demons are in the allowances and not the salaries of lawmakers and government officials in general,” Atiku wrote.

He also demanded to know what happened to the implementation of the Oronsaye Report, which aimed to reduce the number of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and their attendant costs.

Atiku criticised the “ballooning” of MDAs and the prioritisation of non-essential expenditures, calling for an across-the-board cut in expenses.

“We can no longer afford to borrow money to fund continued irresponsibility in government,” Atiku said.

He emphasised the need for responsible governance and accountability, particularly in times of economic hardship.