TheNewsGuru

Tag: Lawmakers

  • SERAP visits Saraki over lawmakers’ ‘N3bn yearly pay’

    Representatives from Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) will today (Thursday 21 September 2017) visit the National Assembly to meet with the Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki to discuss issues relating to details of annual salaries and allowances of lawmakers.

    “We are pleased to accept the invitation from the Senate President to visit the National Assembly to discuss matters of public interest following SERAP’’s letter to Saraki to disclose details of salaries and allowances of members of the Senate,” said Timothy Adewale, SERAP deputy director. “We will use the opportunity of the face-to-face meeting to ask pertinent questions and seek detailed information and clarifications on the exact salaries and allowances that each senator receives monthly or yearly.

    Adewale said that the Office of the Senate President contacted SERAP yesterday to set up a meeting for Thursday. The meeting, scheduled for 1 pm at the National Assembly Complex follows SERAP’s request to Saraki to “urgently explain to Nigerians if it is true that a Nigerian Senator gets N29 million in monthly pay, and over N3 billion a year.”

    Mr. Bamikole Omishore, the Special Adviser to Saraki on New Media, had said on Sunday in Abuja that he would contact SERAP and other CSOs for a meeting to give more details on the yearly earnings of senators. Omishore said, “The attention of the office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to demand for more details regarding the earnings of senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Having released the breakdown of the National Assembly budget, the most comprehensive in the history of Nigerian Senate, it seems the release of pay slips is yet to clarify earnings of Nigerian senators.

    “The Senate President has agreed to a roundtable with SERAP and other CSOs to enlighten them and answer genuine questions regarding the matter. I will make contact with SERAP and other CSOs for a date convenient for all parties in the next few days,” Mr. Omishore also said.

    It would be recalled that Professor Itse Sagay, Chairman Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption (PACAC), had alleged that a Nigerian Senator gets N29 million in monthly pay. But the Senate has so far refused to clarify this or disclose the details of salaries and allowances of its members.

    Subsequently, SERAP wrote Saraki stating that, “The ‘sky will not fall’ if details of a Nigerian Senator’s salaries and allowances are published on a dedicated website. SERAP believes that releasing the information on salaries and allowances of members of the Senate would encourage a nuanced, evidence-based public debate on what would or should be a fair salary for a member of the Senate.”

    The organization said that, “It is by making transparency a guiding principle of the National Assembly that the Senate can regain the support of their constituents and public trust, and contribute to ending the country’s damaging reputation for corruption.”

    The statement read in part: “Transparency is a fundamental attribute of democracy, a norm of human rights, a tool to promote political and economic prosperity and to curb corruption. For the Senate, practising transparency should start with the leadership being open to Nigerians on the salaries and allowances of members.”

    “SERAP strongly believes that it is by knowing exactly how much their lawmakers earn as salaries and allowances that members of the National Assembly can remain accountable to Nigerians and our citizens can be assured that neither fraud nor government waste is concealed.”

    “If the Senate under your leadership is committed to serving the public interest, it should reaffirm its commitment to openness by urgently publishing details of salaries and allowances of members. But when the Senate leadership routinely denies access to information on matters as basic as salaries and allowances of our lawmakers because some exceptions or other privileges override a constitutional and statutory disclosure requirement, open government would seem more like a distant, deferred ideal than an existing practice.”

    “The continuing refusal by the Senate to reveal concrete information about the salaries and allowances of their leadership and members could ultimately endanger the healthy development of a rule-of-law state.”

    “SERAP is concerned that the Senate seems to consider releasing concrete information about salaries and allowances of members to be at best a burden and, at worst, a threat to their legislative functions. Releasing information on your salaries and allowances would not interfere with your law-making functions. In fact, doing so would improve public confidence in the ability and legitimacy of the Senate to perform those functions and make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the Federation.”

    “By permitting access to information on your members’ salaries and allowances long shielded unnecessarily from public view, the Senate would be moving towards securing the confidence of Nigerians in the legislature. The Senate would also be establishing a more solid political base from which to perform its legislative duties and to fulfill its role in the balance of power within the Nigerian constitutional order.”

    “Transparency is necessary for accountability, and helps to promote impartiality by suppressing self-interested official behavior. It also enables the free flow of information among public agencies and private individuals, allowing input, review, and criticism of government action, and thereby increases the quality of governance.”

    The details of the salaries and allowances as provided by Professor Sagay are as follows: basic salary N2,484,245.50; hardship allowance, 1,242, 122.70; constituency allowance N4, 968, 509.00; furniture allowance N7, 452, 736.50; newspaper allowance N1, 242, 122.70. Others are: Wardrobe allowance N621,061.37; recess allowance N248, 424.55; accommodation 4,968,509.00; utilities N828,081.83; domestic staff N1,863,184.12; entertainment N828,081.83; personal assistant N621,061.37; vehicle maintenance allowance N1,863,184.12; leave allowance N248,424.55; severance gratuity N7, 425,736.50; and motor vehicle allowance N9, 936,982.00.

  • Corruption: Arrest lawmakers ignoring your invitation, Sagay tells EFCC, Magu

    Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Prof. Itse Sagay has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest any lawmaker that refused to honour its invitation.

    He insisted that the National Assembly must recognise EFCC as an institution and that no law says an arrest warrant must be sent to it before a lawmaker can appear before the EFCC.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the EFCC had on June 20 invited the Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Senator Stella Oduah but she refused to honour the invitation.

    She was invited over petitions in connection to the purchase of two armoured BMW vehicles at N255m by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, during her tenure as Aviation Minister.

    Sagay in reaction said, “The EFCC is an institution; so, recognising Magu or not is totally irrelevant and until the Supreme Court says Magu is no longer chairman or acting chairman.

    “The Senate cannot refuse to recognise Magu or the EFCC as an institution.

    “If the EFCC invites you, you must go. There is no law that says invitation letters must come through the leadership of the National Assembly.

    “The EFCC can inform the leadership as a matter of courtesy but letters should go directly to the person being invited.

    “The danger now is that if they keep insisting on this, the EFCC will arrest her”.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the National Assembly leadership had earlier told members to ignore invitations from the anti-graft agency.

  • My disagreement with lawmakers is not about sharing national cake – Fashola

    Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, on Tuesday, advised Nigerians not to misconstrue his disagreement with the House of Representatives over his ministry’s budget, saying the debate focuses on how to develop Nigeria and not about sharing the national cake.

    The minister who made the clarification, while fielding questions from State House correspondents, said, “let me make it very clear that many of the Senators and honourable members are my personal friends; so, you don’t fight your friends.

    “I say that the words that we use will potentially redirect our attention from what the real issue is. I don’t think that a feud is the right word to use.

    “A disagreement; yes, a very healthy disagreement. Don’t forget that we are not disagreeing about who should head what. We are not disagreeing about who should take what share of the national cake.

    “We are disagreeing about how to develop Nigeria and that for me is very healthy for our democracy.’’

    He said the nature of his disagreement with the House of Representatives was not personal but geared towards finding the best ways of implementing the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of the Buhari presidency.

    Fashola expressed the belief that the leadership of the National Assembly are on the same page with the Executive on the implementation of the economic agenda of the present administration.

    He, however, admitted that it was possible that “in the heat of the moment while trying to canvass our different positions we are misconstrued as fighting but I am not fighting anybody.’’

    He added that his responsibility both as a minister and a citizen will be “to continue to engage,’’ stressing that he had no intentions of fighting anybody.

    The minister, however, expressed confidence in the leadership provided by the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, the Senate President and the Speaker.

     

    NAN

  • Kidnapping: Lawmakers go invisible, dump official vehicles, plate numbers

    Kidnapping: Lawmakers go invisible, dump official vehicles, plate numbers

    Due to the rising cases of high profile kidnapping cases and the subsequent request for huge ransome by kidnappers in the country, some lawmakers have decided to stop the use of their official vehicles and number plates for fear of being identified and kidnapped.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the decision is coming after a lawmaker from Kano State, Garba Umar-Durbunde, was kidnapped by gunmen along the Abuja-Kaduna Road, after which he reportedly paid N10m ransom to secure his freedom.

    TheNewsGuru.com also reports that Senator Jonah Jang’s aide was killed last weekend, in an attempt to abduct his boss.

    A member of the House of Representatives who spoke with The Punch said that it was no longer safe to use official plate numbers, because of the level of insecurity in the country.

    “Look around, how many members do you see using their number plates with ‘Rep’ boldly written and displayed?

    “Before now, it was fashionable to do so. The number plates could open the way for you because it identified you as a VIP; but not anymore because of security concerns.

    “These days, people do not want to be identified as lawmakers. When a member uses the official number plate, you will find out that it will be covered.

    “Covering the plates ordinarily means that they are not riding in the vehicles, but the truth is that they are there in them.

    “Generally, they want to keep a low profile. Some prefer that they are not noticed at all than for them to be noticed with a retinue of policemen, which draws attention,” he said.

    The Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Adesoji Akanbi, admitted that he has stopped going on road trips except it is unavoidable.

    He said: “I believe that it is the duty of the government to protect lives and properties. Either as a lawmaker or not, the government owes you that duty. But being a lawmaker exposes you to such people (criminals) more and I believe that the onus is on all of us (lawmakers) to take our security seriously.

    “Someone like me did not believe in going around with persons for security but right now, I have to start thinking about it. I didn’t believe that there was the need to move about with security detail, the reason being that I am loved in my constituency and connected with them.

    “But it is getting beyond that now and we now have to take our security seriously. The law enforcement agencies must also support us lawmakers.”

    He added, “Of course, road travels have disappeared on my radar especially now that the airports are operating. It is now suicidal to go on road trips unless something urgent happens and there are no flights.”

     

  • Increase salaries of Lagos monarchs, lawmakers tell Ambode

    Increase salaries of Lagos monarchs, lawmakers tell Ambode

    The Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday called for an upward review of salaries of traditional rulers in the state.

    The House made the call in its resolution after adopting a motion for “the Upward Review of Traditional Rulers’ Remuneration and the Use of Yoruba Language as a Medium of Communication at Palace and t other Public Functions.“

    Mr Lanre Ogunyemi, the Chairman, House Committee on Education, had moved the motion at the day’s sitting.

    The House called on Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode and the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs to actualise the increase of salaries of Obas and Baales in the state.

    The lawmakers said the step had become necessary with a view to enhancing the performance of their traditional responsibilities in their various domains.

    They also directed the ministry, as a matter of urgency, to look into the alarming rate at which new stools of Obas were being created, and ensure that the process of upgrading the Baales to the status of Obas was strictly adhered to in the state.

    The House also enjoined monarchs and Baales to always use Yoruba language as a medium of communication in their respective palaces and other public functions.

    Ogunyemi, moving the motion, had described the current salaries of Obas and Baales as “embarrassing and ridiculous considering the enormous responsibilities of the traditional institution”.

    He said: “This House notes the enactment of the law to provide for an approved method for the selection, appointment and recognition of Obas and Chiefs in Lagos State and for purposes incidental and supplementary to it, Volume 8, Ch.02 of the laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

    “The House notes that the institution of traditional ruler is an enduring part of our heritage that plays a critical role in the preservation of culture and tradition.

    “It also notes that the stipend being paid to the traditional rulers as salaries, despite the enormous challenges in administration at the grassroots, could cause distraction in the performance of their traditional responsibilities in their various domains.

    “This House observes that if traditional rulers are encouraged to perform their statutory roles, their wealth of experience would fast track the desired change in their various communities and add values to governance.”

    The lawmaker also decried the use of English language to conduct most of the palace ceremonies and programmes instead of mother tongue.

    He expressed worry over the discretionary process of upgrading Baales and Obaship positions in recent times, saying that such development would degrade the esteemed positions.

    In his contribution, Mr Tunde Braimoh,the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, called on the traditional institutions to support the efforts of the government on security.

    The Deputy Speaker, Mr Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni,a, also urged the House to include the White Cap Chiefs in the arrangements saying Lagos Island does not operate with Baales.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other assemblymen took turns to support the motion before it was passed by the House as its resolution through a voice vote conducted by the Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa.

    Obasa described the current salaries of the traditional rulers as shameful, saying it was important for the government to increase it.

    He said that there was a need to sanitise the creation of new stools and upgrading of Obas, while the government should always screen anyone before assuming such position.

    The House adjourned its plenary session until June 5.

     

     

    NAN

  • Labour Party Lawmakers in Delta dump party, decamp to PDP

    Labour Party Lawmakers in Delta dump party, decamp to PDP

    Two legislators of the Labour Party at the Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Peter Uviejitobor and Chief Evans Iwurie, have officially decamped to the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the lawmakers represent Udu and Ethiope East state constituencies respectively.

    Their letter of defection to PDP was read by the Speaker, Monday Igbuya, during Tuesday plenary session.

    TheNewsGuru.com recalls that the only Senator elected under the platform of the Labour Party (LP) in the 8th National Assembly, Ovie Omo-agege, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, on March 7 dumped the LP for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

     

    Other details soon…

  • Lagos lawmakers promise more populist bills in 2017, to resume plenary Jan. 3

    Ahead of the 2017 legislative year, Lagos lawmakers have renewed their pledge to enact more people-oriented laws to promote good governance and accelerated development in the state.

    To this end, the assemblymen said they would hit the ground running when they resume plenary on Jan. 3.

    They spoke with newsmen on the sidelines of a party held on Friday at the assembly complex to mark the end of 2016 legislative year.

    In his comment, the State House of Assembly spokesman, Mr Tunde Braimoh, said the House had penciled down many activities for 2017, promising that it would surpass its achievements in 2016 in the new year.

    Braimoh, said the House would keep faith with the subsisting contract with the people of the state.

    In Braimoh’s words:“2017 legislative year will be full of activities. Lagosians should expect better representation and more bills that will make our society a better place to live.

    “We have sworn not to compromise our mandate; so we will for the best help to move Lagos State forward with a robust synergy between the legislative arm and the executive.”

    The lawmaker commended the Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, for what he called his exemplary leadership.

    Also speaking, Mr Rotimi Olowo, the Chairman, House Committee on Budget and Economic Planning said:“We are going to pass many bills in 2017, among them is the 2017 Appropriation Bill.

    “At least,five bills will be passed in January and I believe 2017 will be a better year.”

    Olowo reiterating their non-compromising stance in 2017, however, urged residents to be faithful in paying their taxes promptly to help the government deliver on its mandate.

    For Mr Moshood Oshun, the House Committee on Public Account (State) chairman, the outgoing year is a wonderful year with some landmark achievements.

    Oshun said, “2016 is a wonderful year for the House. We have cause to sit down and appreciate God.

    “We will never fail Lagosians. 2017 is going to be a better year for Lagosians.”

    Addressing members of staff earlier, the Speaker commended staff for their commitment to the service of the state.

    Obasa said:“I thank all of you (workers) from the man at the gate to the Acting Clerk/Permanent Secretary of the House for your support, faithfulness and loyalty.

    “Without you this noble House would not have achieved anything. I commend you for doing your duties well and I will continue to appreciate you.

    “I want to call on you to show more commitment to your work so that this institution will move to more enviable heights and this is achievable in the New Year.”

    Obasa said lawmakers were committed to do better in the coming year.

    Highlight of the events includes presentation of awards to some members of staff that excelled in the out-going year.

  • APC lawmakers will match into Rivers Assembly if they are not sworn-in – Sen. Abe

    APC lawmakers will match into Rivers Assembly if they are not sworn-in – Sen. Abe

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has threatened that the law makers elected on the platform of its party will match into the Rivers State House of Assembly to participate in the deliberations of the House.

    Disclosing this to newsmen in Port Harcourt, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, the Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, said the option has become expedient following the insistence of Gov. Nyesom Wike that the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly would not swear them in.

    “If the Speaker will not swear them in, they will match into the House of Assembly and take their place because they have been returned”.

    Senator Abe condemned the decision of the governor of Rivers State and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to swear in the duly elected APC members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, describing it as rascality and impunity.

    “This kind of rascality and impunity that we are experiencing in Rivers State will not be allowed and tolerated”.

    He urged well-meaning Nigerians to condemn the actions of the governor as such could derail our democracy.

    Senator Abe contended that swearing-in of members of the House was not constitutional but ceremonial, arguing that in the absence of the swearing-in, the elected legislators have the right to participate in the deliberations.

    “There is no constitutional requirement for swearing-in law makers in the country. It is a ceremony, which the Speaker may perform if he so chooses. If he chooses not to swear them in, that cannot in anyway de-legitimize their membership of the House of Assembly.

    So, the Speaker has a choice. He can swear them in, which is what he is expected to do as the Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly or he can refuse and they will go into the House of Assembly and take their seats without his permission because he has no right to sit as a tribunal over the return of any legislator”.