TUC condemns N9b allowance for lawmakers

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has condemned the proposed payment of over N9billion to newly inaugurated members of the National Assembly, warning Nigeria politicians against betraying the people again considering their sacrifice to make the much touted change possible.

In a statement made available to The Nation in Abuja and signed by the President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and General Secretary, Comrade Musa Lawal, the congress said the change Nigerians desire can only become a reality if our leaders make as much sacrifice as the people have done.

The statement said: “It beats the imagination of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, (TUC) that at a time when workers in over 23 states are yet to be paid, rumours are rife that about N9billion is being proposed to be disbursed next week to the new National Assembly members as wardrobe, car, accommodation and furniture allowances.

“More worrisome is the fact that most governors owing these salaries were either re-elected in the last general elections or are now members of the red and green chambers.

“If the change we expect must come, this administration must review the provisions of the constitution that expressly stipulate such privileges for political office-holders. The cost of governance in our country is outrageously high and unsustainable and we may resort to civil disobedience or other legal measures to compel a reduction of same if nothing is done about it in the nearest future.”

While lamenting the display of affluence by politicians even in the social media, the Congress stressed that the only difference between the Nigerians who live in the slums and those squandering our commonwealth is misappropriated opportunity.

It added: “Considering the nation’s present socio-economic realities, it is totally indefensible for senators and members of the House of Representatives to be paid as much as N2million and N1.8million respectively as basic salary every month.

“Where then lies any justification for their claims to being contributors to the growth of a nation where unemployment and other social vices are the order of the day?

“The enormous cost of governance contributes immensely to the economic crises rocking the Nigerian boat. How is this huge amount justifiable in the light of the current financial dilemma the nation is overwhelmed with?

“What do the legislators who often turn down proposals for wage increase for the workers do to deserve these mind-blowing sums of money? We think it is high time Nigerians take their destiny in their hands and stand firm against these injustices and inequality.”

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