Hunger in Nigeria: Reps sacrifice 50 percent of salaries

Members of the House of Representatives today, Thursday, July 18, resolved to contribute 50 percent of their monthly salaries for six months to alleviate economic hardships, particularly hunger, in the country.

Speaker Abbas indicated that each member earns approximately N600,000 monthly, resulting in a total contribution of about N108 million per month from the 360 members, reports The Nation.

The funds will be directed to the government for the purchase of food items to distribute to Nigerians.

The decision followed a debate on a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka (APC, Ogun), which emphasised the importance of halting proposed nationwide protests, maintaining peace, avoiding violence, and fostering meaningful engagement with government at all levels to address pressing issues.

The deputy speaker proposed amending a motion appealing to young Nigerians planning protests due to the country’s hardships, suggesting that members should consider sacrificing half of their salaries to combat hunger.

However, when the Speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen put the motion to voice vote, the majority of members voted in favour of the motion.

In proposing the amendment, Kalu had reminded members that the House took a similar decision during the COVID-19 era and it worked very well for the country.

The speaker commended members for their resolve to sacrifice part of their salaries to address hunger in the land just as some members asked the Executive to also make sacrifices in line with what the lawmakers have done.

Moving the motion earlier, Hon. Isiaka said while the citizens of Nigeria have the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest to address their grievances; the House presents with a humble plea, a plea for reason, understanding, and unity in the face of adversity.

He said maintaining peace and engaging in constructive dialogue with the government is crucial for the resolution of issues facing the nation.

He said further: “Be it resolved that this honourable House appeals to the proponents of the proposed nationwide protest in Nigeria to consider a different path, a path of patience, dialogue, and collaboration, prioritize peace and open channels for meaningful engagements with the government at all levels.

“Be it further resolved that all stakeholders should uphold the principles of democracy. Respect human rights, and uphold the rule of law in their actions and engagements; we trust that through peaceful engagement and dialogue, we can collectively work towards building a better and brighter future for Nigeria”.

The Ogun lawmaker said: “It is undeniable that Nigeria is facing significant challenges, challenges that have plagued our nation for far too long. The issues of insecurity, unemployment, and poverty weigh heavily on the hearts of every Nigerian. The desire for change, for progress, for a better tomorrow is a sentiment that unites us all.

“The challenges we face are not unique to Nigeria alone. These are issues that countries across the globe grapple with on a daily basis. In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, no nation is immune to the complexities of governance and development.

“The road to change is not easy, and the journey towards a brighter future is often fraught with obstacles. But we must not lose sight of the incremental steps that have been taken, the reforms that have been implemented, and the strides that have been made towards a more prosperous Nigeria.

“Change does not happen overnight, it requires patience, perseverance, and a commitment to working together towards a common goal. While peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a democratic society, it is also important to allow the government the space and opportunity to consolidate the progress that has already been achieved.

“Let us engage in constructive dialogue, let us seek solutions through peaceful means, and let us stand united as one nation, one people, with a shared vision for a better Nigeria.

Together, we can overcome the challenges that lie before us. Together, we can build a future that we can all be proud of.”

He said Nigerians should consider the broader perspective, act with wisdom and foresight, and support efforts towards a more stable, secure, and prosperous Nigeria. Let us reason together. let us listen to one another, and let us work hand in hand towards a brighter tomorrow.

Contributing to the motion, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu said while there is no gainsaying the fact that there is a problem in the country, the solution to the existing problem cannot be achieved overnight.

He said the problems in the country did not just start and cannot be addressed in just one year, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put in place lots of policies aimed at addressing the pressing challenges in the country.

While saying the cry of Nigerians has been heard loud and clear, carrying placards is not the solution to the problems in the country, saying while searching for solutions, the people must be able to understand the policies of the government.

He said it is time the lawmakers take the message to the people to be patient since hard times will not last.

While appealing to Nigerians to shun the planned protest, Chief Whip of the House, Usman Bello Kumo alleged that there were desperate politicians who were working very hard to frustrate the policies of the government.

Also contributing, Hon. Ahmed Jaha Babawo said it takes some time to correct what has been damaged, adding that with the policies of the government, there was light at the end of the tunnel.

He said: “Let us give the president the benefit of the doubt. I want to call for collaboration between all tiers of government in addressing the challenges we have”.

Also contributing, Hon. Kabir Ahmadu said while the House has resolved to sacrifice part of their monthly salary for six months, members of the Executive, led by the President and Vice President should also do the same while the proceeds should be used to buy foodstuff for distribution to Nigerians.

Leader of the House, Hon. Julius Ihonvbare expressed confidence that with the current policies of the government, Nigerians will soon have reasons to smile as there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Members were unanimous in appealing for caution on the part of those planning the nationwide protest as they may not know the eventual outcome of the protest.