From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives has appealed to Nigerians against embarking on a nationwide protest over the current economic hardship in the country.
The House also resolved to donate 50 percent of members’ salaries for the next six months towards ameliorating the suffering of Nigerians.
Members of the House, while contributing to a motion by Ibrahim Isiaka, on the need for those behind the proposed mass protest to shelve the plan, said a nationwide protest at this time would not be in the best interest of the country.
Isiaka, in his lead debate, alerted the House of plans by Nigerians to embark on a nationwide protest over the hardship in the country. He stated that though it is within the right of Nigerians to embark on peaceful protest, there was a need to appeal to the proponents of the protest to allow for meaningful engagement with the government at various levels.
“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, progress, and 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.
“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, seek solutions through peaceful means, and stand united as one nation, one people, with a shared vision for a better Nigeria.”
The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, said the solution to the problems plaguing the country does not lie in street protest.
Kalu, who described the motion as timely, said it was obvious that there are challenges in the country. However, he said one year was not enough to address the challenges
He said: “We have a problem. It is not in doubt. There is no member here who disagrees with the point that there is a problem in Nigeria. But, also there is no representative here who does not believe that the problems we refer to, did not arise overnight. It is a compilation of years of difficulty that piled up.”
The deputy speaker added: “Nigeria is bleeding. We agree. We are also Nigerians. So, I want to join the prayer of this motion to speak to the people of Nigeria. Your cry is right. Your complaint of hardship is right. But, is the solution found in carrying placards and lining the streets? Is the solution found in copying a country lesser than us?
“The references that are made today to Kenya and the rest of them, they are smaller countries. We are the giant of Africa, we must proffer solutions that are sustainable and lasting. That solution is not found in our children being killed on the street, while protesting. It is not found in raising placards. Let us not go to the streets. Hope is coming.”
A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member from Osun State, Wole Oke, said the parliament has a duty to ensure that national budgets address the needs of the people.
“There is no better time for us to tell ourselves the truth. It is our duty in this parliament to sharpen the government’s policies and drive them to achieve the goals before us. Mr. Speaker, we pass the budget to ensure synergy between ourselves and the executive, we support the government of the day.
“Mr. Speaker, various committees of this parliament have a duty; a job to ensure that our budgets are faithfully implemented to the letter; to ensure that Nigerians get value for appropriations.
“It is not just enough for us to pass a budget and allow agencies that are saddled with the responsibilities to drive programmes and activities towards salvaging the under-privileged to begin to run the affairs of the government the way and manner they like. “
Similarly, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member from Borno State, Ahmed Jaha, while appealing to Nigerians for patience, urged the youths to give the government the benefit of the doubt.
Nevertheless, Jaha said despite the hardship in the country, cost of living in Nigeria is still cheaper when compared to what obtains in other West African countries.
After the motion was passed, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, referred it to the House Committees on Humanitarian Affairs, Finance, Appropriations and National Planning for further legislative actions.
Meanwhile, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has said the 50 percent salary cut announced by the House, though commendable, was not enough.
Atiku, in a tweet, said: “The demons are in the allowances of lawmakers and not in their salaries.”
“The sacrifice of members of the House of Representatives is commendable. But, it is a drop in the ocean. The demons are in the allowances and not the salaries of lawmakers and the government officials in general.
“Whatever happened to the much-trumpeted implementation of the Oronsaye Report? Recently, the ballooning of MDAs with the attendant cost implications has been observed.
“There’s too much wastage and prioritisation of non-essential expenditures. What is desirable is an across the board cut in expenses. We can no longer afford to borrow money to fund continued irresponsibility in government.”