The Members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives have resolved to support the government with N648 million for six months by cutting down their salaries by 50% to support food sufficiency across the country and to address the high cost of food.
The lawmakers, who mandated the Committee on Appropriation, Humanitarian Affairs, Finance and Budget to ensure compliance during their sitting on Thursday also urged Nigerians to exercise more patience with President Ahmed Tinubu’s led administration in addressing the challenges and hardships faced by the citizens.
According to local media reports, the resolutions followed the adoption of a motion moved on the floor of the House tittled “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,” by Ibrahim Isiaka during plenary in Abuja.
Moving the motion, Isiaka said though Nigerians 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.
According to him, maintaining peace and engaging in constructive dialogue with the government is crucial for the resolution of issues facing the nation.
“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.
“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,” he said.
He further admitted that it is undeniable Nigeria is facing significant challenges, challenges that have plagued the nation for far too long, adding that the issues of insecurity, unemployment, and poverty weigh heavily on the hearts of every Nigerian.
It is however, doubtful if this gesture by the lawmakers will prevent the Nigerian youth from carrying out the planned nationwide protests over high food prices and security challenges scheduled to hold later this month.
GIK/APA
High Food Prices: Nigerian Lawmakers to receive 50% pay cut for 6 months
