The House of Representatives decided on Thursday to cut their salaries by 50% for the next six months to help address the high cost of food and support food sufficiency in Nigeria. This move will save the government N648 million.
The decision comes as the lawmakers urged Nigerians to be patient with President Ahmed Tinubu’s administration during these challenging times. The House also directed its Committees on Appropriation, Humanitarian Affairs, Finance, and Budget to ensure the plan is implemented.
The resolution was made after a motion titled “An appeal to the proponents of proposed nationwide protest to maintain peace, eschew violence and open the windows for meaningful engagements with the government at all levels in order to address their issues” was introduced by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka (APC-Ogun State).
Isiaka emphasized that while Nigerians have the right to protest, it is crucial to maintain peace and engage in constructive dialogue with the government.
He said, “This honorable House appeals to the proponents of the proposed nationwide protest in Nigeria to consider a different path, a path of patience, dialogue, and collaboration. Let us engage in constructive dialogue, let us seek solutions through peaceful means, and let us stand united as one nation.”
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The Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, supported the motion, suggesting that protests are not the solution to the country’s problems.
He stated, “The solution is not found in raising placards. Rome was not built in a day. Let us give support to all policies of the government to better the lives of citizens. This time calls for sacrifice, and people here are willing to make sacrifices. Please bear with the government a little. Let’s make sacrifices with our salaries.”
Ahmed Jaha (APC-Borno) added that it takes time to fix long-standing issues.
“Tough times do not last forever, but tough men do. And there is always a light at the end of every struggle. This government is doing what we have hoped for. We are appealing to our young men to give the government the benefit of the doubt,” he said.
He highlighted the recent launch of student loans and emphasized that President Tinubu would not jeopardize his reputation.
Hon. Usman Basiru (Sokoto-APC) argued that protests could harm the country’s peace and unity.
“The present atmosphere, any form of demonstration that is organizing protests is undermining the peace and unity of our dear country. It is contrary to how you must consider the national interest over individual or group interest,” he said.
He urged young people to understand the situation and be patient with the government’s policies.