Corruption Watch, September 15, 2016 Edition
NIGERIA’S INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY: A TALE OF 56 YEARS OF MOTION WITHOUT MOVEMENT
In spite of gaining ‘independence’ 56 years ago from colonial rule, Nigeria as a country, still remains an entity groping in the dark in search of socio-cultural, political and economic harmony. The country is still bedeviled by the same old deep-seated contradictions inherent in the polity resulting in a country where every aspect of National life is in some sort of quagmire or the other.
Looking at Nigeria historically, the entity tend to typify what Eugene O’Neill meant when he said, “there is no present or future, only the past, happening over and over again-now.” And like Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr said, “the more things change, the more they stay the same” – seem to be the case with Nigeria, 56 years after gaining independence from colonial.
The question, whether Nigeria is truly independent or not, (politically, economically and culturally) is as fresh as if 56 years was just yesterday in our National discourse and existence. This is why some have described the ‘independence’ as mere ‘flag independence’ and the country itself as ‘toddling’ or ‘crawling’ 56 years after independence.
The truth is that the entity called Nigeria is currently blemished by a bleak history and even worse a bleak future; this is because the current circumstances provide no glimpse of hope and no idea of a better tomorrow. The reasons for this reality is based on the tenacious grip to political power by a political class that has largely been self-serving, parasitic, greedy, incurably corrupt and repressionist since the colonialists ‘left’ the reins of power to them.
This political class has thrown up itself in different forms from military dictatorship to civil dictatorship disguised as ‘democracy’ in a manner which have made story of the country ‘a tale of woes’ with very little to celebrate; politically, economically and socio-culturally.
The ruling classes have continued to ride roughshod over the sensibilities and sensitivities of people with bare-faced impunity leading to a country that has been on perpetual catastrophic equilibrium waiting to tilt into the abyss or extinction since becoming independent.
Without any iota of doubt, Nigeria as a country remains a geographical expression like Chief Obafemi Awolowo posited and its faulty foundations remain shaky owing to the historical reality that Nigeria and Africa in general were indeed partitioned at the bayoneting ends of the guns of colonizers, for the convenience of their exploitation and subjugation of the people.
The inherent contradictions in the polity constantly rear their ugly heads perennially as if to direct our National attention to what is fundamental to harmonious co-existence on all plains, i.e. culturally, politically or socio-economically, but the lack of a selfless political leadership with will that could steer the ship of the country out of the doldrums has always been a bane till date.
Nigeria, politically and economically remain within the tenacious grip of a ruling class that have maintained and displayed the same ineptitude, maladministration, corruption, impunity and insensitiveness for decades resulting to the painful situation of existence of majority of Nigerians. A situation where the 1% rollick in affluence and control the commonwealth of the country while the 99% wallow in abject poverty and despair, in addition to unemployment; a health sector in doldrums, a neglected education sector topped with insecurity of lives and property.
The hardships that Nigerians are going through continues to be compounded by the neo-liberal dictates of the IMF/World Bank and that has made access to basic needs required for humane living impossible for the vast majority.
Presently, it is very glaring that our country, Nigeria, is at a dangerous precipice with the present economic repression characterized by the increased sufferings and excruciating pains of the ordinary poor, working and toiling people who constitute the majority.
The skyrocketing increases in the cost of the very basic needs of life; from food to water, fuel to health services, dwindling income to rapidly increasing unemployment and under-employment rate etc. all stem from the prevalent, progressively receding economic situation. A situation the government has admitted it is ‘helpless’ and ‘hapless’ about.
The economy of the country prior to the present recession had been rudderless or directionless and this is in spite of the fact that the indicators were there for the handlers of the Nigerian economy to see before it assumed the recent dimensions.
And because there seems to be no direction, because the economy seems to be at best on autopilot, and at worst under the spell of a powerful magician, the problems emanating from the cesspool of the past keep rearing their ugly monstrous heads, becoming ever more resilient as they expand in scope and scale.
There is practically no aspect of Nigerian existence that is immuned to the decay created by the political/ruling classes since 1960 with their ineptitude and greed. It has always been the poor, working and toiling Nigerians who are the majority that have had to bear the brunt of a jaundiced generation of political hawks’ mode of governance.
It is the exploitative and oppressive mode of governance that has been forcefully sustained by the Nigerian ruling classes that is directly responsible for the state we are in as a country; where water, food, shelter, electricity, education, health services, motor-able roads and the other very ordinary but basic requirements to exist as a human being appear to be an ‘abomination’ to have.
Whether under military or civilian rule, it has been a case of each political leadership not wanting to ‘rock the boat’ of underdevelopment and sub-human existence while maintaining the status quo responsible for obtuse manner Nigeria has been led since 1960.
56 years after independence is more than enough to have moved Nigeria forward significantly in terms of development beyond the sad and pitiable situation it has been put to by its leadership’. This is why Nigerians must wake up from their slumber and take their destiny in their hands, for it is only the people; the masses, themselves that can alter society in their own interest.
The ruling class has no interest in resolving the obviously unbalanced socio-political and economic equation that stare us in the face, for they know that the solution lies in taking them off their ‘high horses’ and stripping them of their undeserved ostentatious living. Their disinterest has been demonstrated empirically and graphically enough by both past and present political leadership who are constantly united in their agenda to maintain the status quo that makes 1% extremely wealthy and the 99% extremely poor via the mode of governance they have perpetuated and perpetrated since independence.
The present ‘government of change’ is just like the other past ‘leopard’ governments that governed with false pretences. It is on daily basis revealing the reality that it is only a new bottle and not a new wine. It lacks the will to act profoundly along the lines of what is fundamental to the very existence of the country.
Resolving the Nigeria’s situation must transcend ‘comesticism’ and sloganeering. Politically, and economically Nigeria must be restructured. Nigeria and Nigerians must move away from ‘repeated starts’ at nation building.
Recently, renewed calls for the restructuring of Nigeria’s body polity were made in some quarters which brought the undying National question to the fore again, but we must not be confounded by some of these calls. The calls for restructuring also need to be interrogated, to understand the motivations and core purpose of the seemingly justified call. Circumspection on all the labyrinths of issues over the National question is very imperative, so as not to fall into the pitfalls of the past.
Without any iota of doubt, the call to restructure Nigeria is neither the exclusive preserve of the ruling class in their intra-class factional struggles, nor is it a new call. It is a call, a demand, a bargaining weapon of choice, in their now covert, now overt intra-class skirmishes.
The truth is that no matter how Nigeria is restructured, the fundamental issue will remain about the social emancipation of the vast majority of the people. Any form of restructuring that is not achieved side by side with the social emancipation of the component units of Nigeria will amount to naught. Such achievement will make no significant difference in National life and the lives of majority of the people who would still remain oppressed and exploited in any arrangement that emerges from ‘restructuring’ designed and controlled by the present ruling class i.e. the representatives of the political and economic status quo.
In the final analysis, we believe that the much advocated Sovereign National Conference (SNC) is the beginning of true nationhood; the alternative is to keep an unstable geographical expression pretentiously described as country but lacks the socio-moral and political capacity to run under a common constitution since it was constituted under a defective and illegitimate arrangement. To achieve an SNC requires a people in defiance and willing to overhaul the system politically and economically in the equation called ‘Nigeria’ which has persistently been described as a ‘lopsided’ arrangement and ‘marriage of convenience’ in some quarters.
Debo Adeniran
Executive Chairman
Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL
08037194969
September 30, 2016
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PASTOR WHO INVADED SHRINE SHOULD BE TREATED LIKE BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS – CECURR
The Centre for Cultural and Religious Rights, CECURR has demanded that, Wale Fagbere, a Pentecostal Pastor who allegedly invaded a traditional Shrine in the Ketu area of Ayetoro, Ogun State should be treated like Boko Haram terrorists and must be prosecuted.
CECURR is a child of necessity borne of the need to bring a succor for victims of religious and cultural persecution in any part of Nigeria. It is a non-religious organization of men and women of different religious background including atheists; it is non-sectarian, non-gender bias, gender- sensitive, non-profit making and non-governmental organization. Its activities cover all parts of the country; its work strategy centres on study, research, education, advocacy and enlightenment.
CECURR, speaking through its National Coordinator, Mr. Debo Adeniran, asked the Ogun State Government to investigate and interrogate Wale Fagbere to know the reason behind his actions as it smacks of terrorism and portends danger to the society, just as it violates the fundamental human right to worship and religion.
“We should ask, what genuine reason could have led the so-called Pastor to want to invade the Shrine other than intolerance and sheer hatred? It is intolerance and hatred that breeds terrorism and fanaticism. This incidence may look simple or not too serious, but the reality is that it is comparable to Boko Haram terrorists bombing up Churches in the North.”
“We therefore urge the Ogun State government not to handle the issue with kids’ gloves, it is better to nip tendencies such as the one demonstrated by Mr. Wale Fagbere in the bud before they fester! Government generally must remain vigilant and pro-active; identifying early warning signs and potential crisis points in our religious and socio-cultural co-existence to guarantee societal harmony is imperative in preventing unnecessary violence and deaths.”
“We call on all the parties involved in the crisis to embrace peace and let the law take its full course. We advise our people regardless of religious, cultural or social inclinations to shun religious and cultural intolerance. We should also eschew violence and respect each others’ fundamental rights.” Adeniran concluded.
Wale Salami
Media Coordinator, CECURR
08141121208
cacolc@yahoo.com,cacol@thehumanitycentre.org
September 28, 2016
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LAVISHING BILLIONS OF NAIRA ON BULLET PROOF CARS IS INSENSITIVE; CACOL TELLS GOVERNORS
The Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL has condemned some Governors who are lavishing billions of naira on bullet proof cars in their convoys saying it is insensitive to the plight of the poor majority.
Media sources recently revealed that some Nigeria Governors lavish billions of naira on bullet proof cars in their convoys, where the least of the car costs over N65m, with some Governors having more than two in their fleet.
The Executive Chairman of CACOL, Mr. Debo Adeniran said, “The truth is that government is being insensitive to the plight of the poor majarity. Government in Nigeria generally has no empathy for the poor but rather it protects the over-fed people in power and their cronies. The mode of governance is incapable prioritizing the pains and pangs of the majority who are poor over the avarice of the political class.”
“The governors rollicking in their limos and SUVs are akin to what we have been kicking against at the Federal level. Nigerians have overwhelmingly been demanding for the President to; sell some of the aircrafts in the Presidential Fleet, to reduce of overseas travel, to slash the humongous allowances and salaries of elected officials, etc. for the country to cut the cost of governance but government have remained adamant.” Adeniran said
“Ironically, virtually all of these Governors are yet to pay their workers’ salaries for many months in their various states. They give excuse of Federal allocation not being enough to cater for their states with poverty increasing on a daily basis while infrastructure and social amenities continue to decay. Yet the numbers of bullet proof cars keep increasing in their convoys.” said Mr. Adeniran.
Mr. Debo Adeniran concluded by saying, “it is not only insensitive, it is immoral for a governor to have more than two bullet proof cars in his fleet considering the abject hunger and poverty also with the current recession in the country. We know of great public officials in other countries who move around using the public transport system, either rail or bus, some even ride on bicycles! Our government must abandon their ostentatious ways and we must cut the cost of governance now!”
Wale Salami
Media Coordinator, CACOL
08141121208
cacolc@yahoo.com,cacol@thehumanitycentre.org
27/09/2016
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SELLING OFF NATIONAL ASSETS IS PRODIGAL, IRRESPONSIBLE AND UNACCEPTABLE! – CACOL
The Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL has described the decision to sell-off National assets by the government as a betrayal of the change that Nigerians voted in 2015 general elections and totally irresponsible.
The Executive Chairman of CACOL, Mr. Debo Adeniran said “contrary to the desire of the masses for the government to abandon the neo-liberal approach in handling the National economy, it has chosen to shove down our throats policies that have failed over and over again globally.”
“Clearly, the decision to sell-off the heritage of Nigerians is based on the dictates of the World Bank, IMF and other Brentton Wood institutions. The decision by the Federal Government, the 36 States Governors and the National Assembly to sell off the heritage of Nigeria hiding under guise of so-called ‘recession’ is prodigal, irresponsible and unacceptable!”
Continuing, Adeniran asked, “what did the previous sales or concessions of National assets achieve? They only achieved more pains for the people; further decay in infrastructure, poverty and of course the opportunity for the irresponsible and extremely wealthy members of the ruling class and their cronies to share amongst themselves what our heroes past left to us a country.”
“The reality is that the regime is hiding under the guise of ‘recession’ to actualize the ‘agreement’ it had made with the World Bank/IMF and the G-8 countries and this is the outcome of all the junketing around the World that President Muhmmadu Buhari had done since he was sworn in and even prior to his election into office.”
“Every reason been adduced for this decision is completely warped and very unintelligent. We had challenged the President to sell some of the aircrafts in the Presidential Fleet; we had called for the reduction of overseas travel, the slashing the humongous allowances and salaries of elected officials, etc. for the country to cut the cost of governance but government have remained adamant.” Adeniran added
“We condemn and reject this decision in its entirety. We call on Nigerians to act now by resisting this attempt to erase the historical achievements of our heroes past, we must not let this happen. The regime itself should be ashamed that it has no concrete achievement that can be pointed to, yet it wants to sell-off assets that were put in place by past leaders.”
“We are telling the dishonourable members of the National Assembly in particular that, instead of selling-off our National assets, we would prefer to get rid of the country’s Parliament! If truly, Nigeria is in serious economic crisis, it is then the right time to cut the cost of governance at all levels. Government must demonstrate that; truly the interest of the poor masses is a priority beyond personal ostentatious living of a few amidst a vast majority who are living in penury.”
“We assert that all the promises the present government made have been betrayed and with bare-faced impunity. We recall clearly that the pledge made by the present government when campaigning was to revamp the refineries to boost local refining of crude oil, the sale of national was never on the plate!”
Concluding, Adeniran said, “The present situation has vindicated CACOL’s position when President Buhari was hunting for Ministers. Prior to the appointment of the Minister for Finance and Economic Development, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, our group had advised to Federal government against it doing so based on our assessment.
We thus once again call for the removal of the Minister who is obviously overwhelmed with present the economic situation in the country. The whole Cabinet members’ performance should be assessed and the incompetent ones should be changed without further delay. These times require the very best hands, for the period is indeed a very challenging one, but the neo-liberal approach of voodoo economics will only keep our country in economic quagmire.”
Wale Salami
Media Coordinator, CACOL
08141121208
September 23, 2016
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CACOL COMMENDS THE DECISION OF A UK COURT NOT TO QUASH THE CONVICTION OF JAMES IBORI
The Executive Chairman of the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL, Mr. Debo Adeniran, has appreciated the decision of a court sitting in the United Kingdom not to quash the conviction of a former governor of Delta state, Chief James Ononefe Ibori, in spite of the evidence presented which indicted a British police officer in case of bribery.
The media recently reported the decision of the UK to ensure that Ibori, a former governor of Delta State who is currently serving a 13-year jail term in a British prison after pleading guilty to 10 counts of fraud and money laundering serves out his jail term.
Speaking on behalf of CACOL, Adeniran said, “we remain one of the foremost civil society groups that have been in the fore-front fighting and demanding for the prosecution of James Ibori, and so we appreciate this decision,”
Continuing, he said, “regardless of the revelation from this case, which indicts a British police officer, Ibori must be made to pay for his crimes. For as far back as 2009 we at CACOL had been protesting and advocating for the prosecution and conviction of the former governor only to be met with hindrances deliberately put in place to facilitate the former governor’s escape from justice in Nigeria”
Speaking further, Adeniran reiterated the Coalition’s stance on the extradition of James Ibori back to Nigeria to face justice for his several corruption crimes; he said “corrupt elements such as Ibori and others like him have to pay for their crimes to serve as deterrent to others like him. In the fight against corruption, there must be no sacred cows.
In concluding, Adeniran called on the Federal government to be more pro-active in its fight against corruption. “All the anti-corruption agencies and other relevant agencies must also fulfill their constitutional duties, irrespective of whose ox is gored. Madam Patience for instance have publicly laid claim to the $15m frozen in four company accounts and dared the anti-graft agency to invite her for questioning. She was just a civil servant, so as a civil servant, how did she manage to acquire such properties and stupendous amount found in her accounts? Yet, she is walking free and has even gone ahead to sue EFCC! It is time for our anti-corruption agencies to walk their talk within the ambit of the rule of law.
Wale Salami
Media Coordinator, CACOL
08141121208
September 21, 2016
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THE TIME TO INVITE DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN FOR INTERROGATION IS NOW; CACOL TELLS EFCC
The Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to immediately invite the wife of the immediate past President, Goodluck Jonathan for questioning over the allegations of money laundering involving herself, her aides and some Skye Bank officials.
The Executive Chairman of the Coalition, Debo Adeniran said, “it is beginning to appear like the EFCC is disposed to ‘pampering’ some suspected corruption criminals in our country even though the Act that established the Commission gives it constitutional powers to carry out its duties without fear or favour.”
“The case of the wife of former President Jonathan epitomizes this reality. With the whole lot of confusion, allegations and counter-allegations, media war etc. that are attendant to the Mrs. Jonathan’s case, what else does the EFCC need to invite the person who is at the epicentre of the whole episode, even if just for questioning and clarifications?”
The renowned anti-corruption Crusader added that, “we are impressed by the efforts of the EFCC so far on the Mrs. Jonathan’s case including the arrest and ongoing prosecution of some the aides and the bankers involved. Yet, we cannot help but ask whether indeed the EFCC is being hindered from using the shortest cut to resolve this corruption imbroglio involving the wife of the immediate past President by inviting/summoning her?”
“The truth is that, Madam Jonathan is a Nigerian, like every other one, that must abide by the constitution of the country. What are the fears of EFCC? Does the EFCC handle ‘lesser’ Nigerians in one corruption case or the other in this mode? If we are serious about fighting corruption, we must not consider some people as ‘untouchables’, particularly when such people have been ‘cornered’ like the woman in question as long as the rule of law is not violated!”
Reiterating CACOL’s position on the saga, Adeniran continued, “Like we said when the news broke out that Madam Jonathan had openly laid claim to the $15m frozen in four company accounts and dared the anti-graft agency to invite her for questioning. We ask, how did she get the money and even the ones stacked in her account? That is what we Nigerians want to know, as far as we can understand, she was just a civil servant, so as a civil servant, how did she manage to acquire such properties that worth such stupendous amount, because she would have earned less than 10% of the amount even if she had been a Director or Permanent Secretary in the Bayelsa Civil Service all of the entire years she has spent on earth!”
In concluding, Adeniran said, “we are calling on the EFCC to invite Madam Jonathan for questioning with immediate effect. This ‘beating around the bush’ approach is not going to strengthen the anti-corruption war, it can only weaken it. Name, Shame and Shun Corrupt Leaders, anywhere, anytime!”
Wale Salami
Media Coordinator, CACOL
08141121208
September 17, 2016
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PATIENCE JONATHAN HOW DID ARIOLF RESORT WELLNESS AND SPA CAME TO BE? CACOL DEMANDS
The Coalition against Corrupt Leaders, (CACOL)demands that the wife of the Ex-president, Goodluck Jonathan should explain how she came about owning a property worth N10bn even as a civil servant without holding any government position.
This came on the heels of a media report According to a UK business newspaper (The Financial Times) that the hotel, Aridolf Resort Wellness and Spa, which was lunched towards the end of Goodluck’s tenorin Yenagoais said to have imported state- of -the-art furniture, can rank with other luxury hotels In the world.
Reacting to the news through the Coalition’s Executive Chairman, Comrade Debo Adeniran, the group asked the wife of the Ex-president to explain to Nigerians how she came about allegedly owning a luxurious hotel that is worth N10bn and also some funds allegedly traced to her bank accounts.“How did she get the money and even the ones stacked in her account? That is what we Nigerians want to know, as far as we can understand, she didn’t hold any government position, she’s just a civil servant, so as a civil servant, how did she manage to acquire such a luxurious property that worths that amount, because she would have earned less than 10% the amount even if she has been a Director or Permanent Secretary in the Bayelsa civil service all of the entire years she has spent on earth!” Adeniran averred.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-graft agencies has been conferred with the jurisdiction and also empowered to probe any past or current public officials living life above their legitimate earnings; hence it would be negligent of the EFCC if it wastes time ant further in commencing prosecution of the former first lady who has by her action in court confessed she possess an amount of cash and property she couldn’t have legitimately earned”, Adeniran concluded. “We commend so far the efforts of the Federal Government and the anti-corruption agencies for their efforts in probing those Publicly Exposed Persons found wanting. We also call on the government to exhibit pro-activeness towards creating the enabling environment for the fight against corruption by facilitating the emergence of enabling laws that will remove encumbrances on the path of the anti-corruption drive.” Adeniran added.
Abiodun Rabiu
Acting Media Officer, CACOL
08141121208
September 9, 2016
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MR. PRESIDENT, NIGERIANS EXPRESSED THEIR WILL FOR CHANGE WHEN THEY VOTED FOR YOU AND APC IN 2015; THE BALL IS IN YOUR COURT! – CACOL
The Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL has frowned at the slogan of the national re-orientation campaign tagged, ‘Change Begins With Me’ launched in Abuja on Thursday, also expressed disappointment while saying that it represents blaming Nigerians who are only victims of the mode of governance perpetrated by the incurably corrupt political class that has held on tenaciously to political power in the country till date.
Mr. Debo Adeniran, the Executive Chairman of the Coalition, said, “it’s disappointing to hear government’s attempt to transfer the blame of its daily unveiling failure on the victims of its apparent incompetence and seeming cluelessness in the face of a very challenging time. One would have expected that by now, with the precarious state of country, the government should take full responsibility for the roles required of it by leading with example and boldness instead of blame-shifting and expressions of frustration.”
“Yes, there is the dire need for Nigerians collectively to understand the background to the present situation of the country and the attendant sacrifices required of Nigeria and Nigerians to wade through the storm, but the present government’s excuses and false pretences belie its so-called change agenda, to put it bluntly.”
“The task to rebuild our country is very daunting, no doubts about that, but the present regime knew this before it got to power. To continue to insult the collective intelligence of Nigerians with narratives that are apparently designed to disguise the lack of political will needed to abandon the ways of the old by the political class is totally provoking and unacceptable.”
“Nigerians had expressed and in a very ‘revolutionary’ manner for that matter, on March 28, 2015 when they voted massively for President Muhammadu Buhari and his party, the All Progressive Congress, APC, in the Presidential elections their will and readiness for real change! Need we remind the government that reality before it realizes that the ball is in its court to bring the change Nigerians voted for to bold relief? What fundamental change has the government demonstrated beyond mere sloganeering and governing on the basis of false pretences? Adeniran queried.”
“For crying out loud the Presidential Fleet of about 11 aircrafts that was being maintained by the former regime which the present regime promised to reduce is still intact in spite of the humongous costs it takes to maintain them, yet it is the poor that must pay to maintain the unnecessary fleet that has been argued to be the most expensive to maintain in Africa! And this is in a country where the political class keeps convoys of expensive vehicles just to move an individual around; own choice properties all over the country and outside, where the political class’ dogs enjoy better humanism than the poor majority who are the real humans.” He continued.
The anti-corruption crusader, concluded, by advising the Government to move beyond excuses, rhetorics and repeated failed promises, he said, “that is the only way that government can lead by example and express in reality its claim that it understands the pains of the masses. The ordinary Nigerians in their majority are the sole victims in the subsisting scenario; they want their country to be salvaged and are ready to play their part in achieving that, transferring blame on them is unfair. It represents serious un-seriousness on the part of government in terms of its responsibility. Therefore we say, “Mr. President, the change begins with you and your government, Sir!”
Wale Salami
Media Coordinator, CACOL
08141121208
September 9, 2016
ECONOMIC RECESSION; GOVERNMENT MUST CUT DOWN THE OUTRAGEOUS ALLOWANCES OF ELECTED PUBLIC OFFICIALS – CACOL
The Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL, has reiterated the need for the slashing of allowances and salaries of elected Public officials as the economic situation bites harder with its attendant pains on the people.
Media reports recently revealed that members of the National Assembly alone have received a total of 6.78bn naira as salaries and allowances in the past one year even as the economy nose-dives into recession.
The Executive Chairman of CACOL, Mr. Debo Adeniran described the remuneration packages which include annual salaries, accommodation, vehicle maintenance, domestic staff, entertainment and utilities allowances as outrageous considering the present the prevailing situation. He said “as a matter of fact, their remunerations had hitherto been outrageous and unfair, and that is why the strident calls to slash the bogus remuneration of elected public officials as a way of reducing the cost of governance has been a public outcry for long.”
The allowances include constituency allowances, annual leave allowance, hardship allowance, wardrobe, newspapers and responsibilities allowances etc. The reports show that Senators receives of 2.02m naira annually, while a member of House of Representative gets 1.98m naira the basic salary of the Senate President is 2.48m naira etc.
Mr. Adeniran said, “these bogus allowances are being enjoyed by not just the National Assembly members but also by all other elected public officials with minimal differentials in what accrue to them generally. The unfairness and insensitivity to the majority that are wallowing in economic pangs in the country is clearly reflecting in the unwillingness of those in political office to abandon greed and selfishness, and to also self-deny as required by the state of the economy.”
“Some other countries like Senegal, in 2012, following economic challenges and expediency of the social needs of the people of the country in terms of priorities, Senegalese lawmakers, who were divided between a 150-seat National assembly and a 100-seat Senate, voted to do away with the Senate and passed a law which dissolved the institution in order to save an estimated $15 million. This was a decision intended to curb government spending and spend more on the ordinary Senegalese.” Adeniran said in drawing comparison between Nigeria and Senegal to back CACOL’s position.
He concluded saying “If truly Nigeria is in serious economic crisis, it is then the right time to cut the cost of governance at all levels. Government must demonstrate that; truly the interest of the poor masses is a priority beyond personal ostentatious living of a few amidst a vast majority who are living in penury. Government must move beyond excuses, rhetorics and repeated failed promises. That is the only way that government can lead by example and express in reality its claim that it understands the pains of the masses.”
Wale Salami
Media Coordinator, CACOL
08141121208