Categories: POLITICS

“It is wrong to think National Assembly members are overpaid” – Buhari

The President, Muhammadu Buhari, has said it is wrong for Nigerians to perceive the National Assembly as being “highly overpaid” for doing little.

He said the lack of trust in the lawmakers had made their critics not to see the enormous work they were doing for the country.

Buhari said this in Abuja on Wednesday when the House of Representatives launched The Green Chamber Magazine, a publication by the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs.

At the event were the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who represented the President; Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, representing President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; Governor of Katsina State and former Speaker of the House, Bello Masari; Governor of Imo State and former member of the Senate, Hope Uzodinma, among others.

Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila; and Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, led principal officers and members to the event.

Buhari, speaking through Mohammed, said the parliamentarians did not share money without working.

Sponsored

He said, “Hitherto, the public perception of the National Assembly is that of a bicameral legislature where overly comfortable and highly-overpaid members merely stuff wads of currency notes into their pockets for little work done. This wrong perception has resulted partly from the lack of understanding of the enormous work of lawmakers, especially outside the glare of television cameras.

“But with a magazine that will be the authoritative source of anything that goes on in the House – motions being moved, bills being passed, national issues being discussed and constituency projects – the public will be better informed on the activities of the House, and this will, in turn, reflect in an improved public perception.

“In addition, it will help the House to tell its own story, rather than relying on others to take charge of their narrative. It is said that no one can tell your story better than you.”

A former Director of Kenya’s Anti-Corruption Commission and Director of the Kenya School of Laws, Prof. Plo Lumumba, who was a keynote speaker at the event, asked if the lawmakers were following the footsteps of Nigeria’s founding fathers who, he said, had a clear vision for the country.

He said, “I read your great founding leaders. I read the works of Nnamdi Azikiwe and I listened to him in those early days. He was as eloquent as he was passionate about telling Nigerians and Africans – because he was called the Zik of Africa – that leadership is about service. This magazine is an occasion for you to demonstrate to Africa that you are servant-leaders.

SPONSORED
Alex Enemanna

A print journalist with vast knowledge of political developments in Nigeria. Passionate about equity and fairness through robust developmental journalism.

Recent Posts

APC: Tinubu Will Win The 2027 Election

The APC has warned opposition parties in the nation not to get excited over the…

1 hour ago

Suspected Criminal Killed By Mob In Rivers

Residents and onlookers found the lifeless body of an unidentified man with multiple machete cuts…

11 hours ago

Brighton Defeats Man City 2-1 In Stunning Comeback Victory

Brighton defeats Manchester City on Saturday night after a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over the…

12 hours ago

Trump, Biden Set To Meet At White House

On Wednesday, US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump will have a meeting at…

12 hours ago

MC Oluomo Elected New NURTW National President

Former Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Lagos State Chapter, Mr. Musiliu…

14 hours ago

Tinubu, NSA, Others Jet Out To Attend Arab-Islamic Summit In Saudi Arabia

President Bola Tinubu, alongside the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Ministers and heads of agencies…

15 hours ago