Reps Break Silence On Delayed Salary Deductions For Hardship Relief
By Elizabeth Austin, Lagos.
In an effort to confirm its position, the House of Representatives has finally addressed the controversy surrounding the delayed deduction of 50% of their salaries, which was pledged to support the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery Effort and alleviate hardship faced by Nigerians.
In a statement released yesterday, the House spokesman, Mr. Akin Rotimi Jr., while acknowledging the delay, assured that the lawmakers remained committed to their earlier resolution.
He, however, regretted that an unwarranted stampede had resulted in the hesitation to implement the decision of the House as agreed upon the previous week.
Meanwhile, the controversy began after lawmakers failed to fulfill their pledge to donate half of their monthly salaries (N300,000 out of N600,000) for six months, starting from July. The promise was made during a plenary session on July 18, 2024, to support the government’s efforts to combat hunger and economic hardship in Nigeria.
Reacting to the dust raised by the seemingly withheld pledge, the release reiterated that their promise to assist in ameliorating the suffering of the citizenry remained irrevocable despite the odds.
The statement read in part:
“We acknowledge and regret that this resolution was not implemented by the bureaucracy as intended for the month of July. This delay was due to necessary administrative procedures and coordination with financial institutions,” he said.
“Instructions for adjusting salaries have now been issued and will be enforced moving forward to ensure our pledge is fully realised. We appreciate your patience and assure you of our steadfast adherence to this pledge.”
Recall that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen 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.
Speaking further, the Speaker hinted that the funds will be directed to the government for the purchase of food items to distribute to Nigerians.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka (APC, Ogun), aimed at averting nationwide protests over the biting poverty and high cost of living faced by Nigerians.
Responding to the matter, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, unequivocally suggested that the entire members of the House sacrifice 50 percent (50%) of their salaries, as was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers.
