Frightened by the widespread mobilisation for nationwide protests against the continuing hardship Nigerians are going through, the House of Representatives has passed a resolution for 50 percent cut in their salaries to be donated over the next six months to support the federal government’s efforts at solving food crisis in the country.
They also called on proponents of the nationwide demonstrations to reconsider street-level actions and engage in constructive dialogue with the government.
This resolution follows a Motion of Urgent National Importance moved by Rep. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka (APC, Ogun), which received unanimous support during Thursday’s plenary session.
Recognising the constitutional right of Nigerians to peaceful assembly and acknowledging the vital role of dissent and protest in a democratic society, the House emphasised the importance of allowing sufficient time for the government to implement ongoing reforms and achieve tangible results.
During a robust debate, lawmakers from various political affiliations advocated for President Bola Tinubu’s administration to be given the opportunity to address the country’s challenges, given its recent assumption of office.
Several initiatives aimed at addressing national concerns, such as the Students Loan Programme, Local Government Autonomy, provision of free fertilizers, and exemptions on customs duties for staple food imports, were highlighted as evidence of the administration’s commitment.
Rep. Oluwole Oke (PDP, Osun) stressed the need for rigourous oversight to ensure accountability in fund allocation and service delivery to Nigerians. Rep. Ahmed Yinka Aluko (APC, Kwara) called on the government to intensify efforts to alleviate the suffering of the populace, emphasising the necessity of adequate budgetary allocations. He pointed to recent protests by tertiary institution students against tuition fee increases and electricity tariffs as urgent issues requiring prompt action.
House Spokesman, Rep. Akintunde Rotimi Jr. (APC, Ekiti), amended the prayers of the motion to task the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning with conducting a public awareness campaign. This campaign aims to educate Nigerians on the government’s efforts to address the demands voiced by some proponents of the protests, promoting transparency and mutual understanding.
Furthermore, in a show of solidarity amidst national challenges, Members unanimously agreed to a 50% salary reduction for six months to support government initiatives tackling food insecurity.
This resolution, following an amendment to the prayers of the motion by Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu (APC, Abia), underscores the House’s commitment to sacrifice for the common good. Lawmakers also called on President Bola Tinubu to implement short-term solutions and urged the executive to follow the House’s example of solidarity in cutting down the cost of governance.
In a related motion, the House directed the Inspector-General of Police to immediately suspend the Electronic Central Motor Registration Certificate (e-CMR) scheme and shut down its associated website.
This resolution followed a motion by Rep. Kwamoti Bitrus La’ori (PDP, Adamawa), adopted as a safeguard against potential abuse of power and disruption of public order. The House reaffirmed that revenue generation does not fall under the purview of the Nigeria Police Force as defined in the Nigeria Police Force Act of 2020.
The House Committee on Police Affairs was tasked with investigating the rationale behind the scheme.
Thursday’s plenary session dedicated substantial time to addressing urgent national issues.
The People’s House empathises with Nigerians across the federation and remains steadfast in fulfilling its constitutional duty to ensure the security and welfare of all citizens, in alignment with its Legislative Agenda.
