RE: SANUSI’S ARGUMENTS WITH THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERS

The revelation by the CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, regarding the colossal amount the National Assembly members cost the nation is getting the right reactions.

Analysis has shown that it costs N290million annually to maintain each member of the National Assembly. This is happening in a country where virtually every amenity does not work and where average earning of 80% of the populace is below N300 per day. Whereas a WORKING DAY earning of a Nigerian Senator is more than a yearly income of a Doctor; it is more than the salary of 42 army generals or 48 professors or 70 Commissioners of Police or more than twice the pay of the US President Obama or nine times the salary of US congressman.

It is unfortunate that this analysis which resonated severally in the media in recent past has now been proven by the CBN governor. This cannot be what democracy costs even in advance countries for those who make the law. It then means that no sensible law or law that does not benefit the legislators would see the light of the day hence they would like to go for second, third, fourth, and even fifth term because no law bars them like in the executive arm of government. To pursue their selfish agenda, they all want automatic ticket as a trade-off to support President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2011 bid and the President is dancing to that tune. That is also why they thought that they should be made automatic members of their respect party’s NEC.

This piece is calling on the Nigeria electorate to ensure that no present legislator (federal or state) was returned for even a second term.  This would serve as a lesson to new ones. We all now know that their motive (selfishness) and this must not be allowed to continue. Agency in charge of the legislative remunerations must ensure that their remunerations are cut down to between 5% and 10% of what they now cost the nation. This is the time to ensure this.

Obidigbo Mgbachi, 59 Market Road, Ekwulobia, Anambra State.