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When 469 Lawmakers Play The Ostrich Before 200 Million Nigerians

Published

2 years ago

August 19, 2024

By: A G Abubakar

“No matter how long it takes in coming, truth unveils the shame of falsehood, and the garment of shame is often covered by wild reactions.”
Above anecdote aptly depicts the actions of Nigerias National Assembly members.
Obasanjo said it. The mass media shouted it. Shehu Sani, a former senator from Kaduna State, confirmed it, and an incumbent Senator, Kawu Samaila from Kano, corroborated it, that, individual Nigerian legislator costs the nation an average of N19 million (N21 m for Senators and about N17 m for House of Rep members) in monthly perk, made up of around N1 million personal emoluments and the rest constituency office up keep/running costs. This translated into about N2 billion monthly expenditure on the 109 Senators and 360 Representatives in the Nigeria bicameral National Assembly (NASS).

The said monthly is aside the budgtery provisions for constituency / intervention projects which the legislators control “exclusively-indirectly.” Funds that run into hundreds of millions depending on individual legislators bargaining power in the National Assembly. As if that was not enough, others criminally go the extra mile to insert/pad “activities” into the budget, which they eventually access through ” ways and means.” These developments have literally turned legislators into mini parallel governments in their rights with self ascribed what could pass for executive functions.

A development that had turned the National Assembly into torch bearers of corruption and national shame bereft of conscience and sense of proportion, where twisted arguments and semantics are employed to hoodwink society. This is while taking such establishments as the Budget Office and RMAFC on the sordid ride, at the collective expense of a citizenry highly compromised and made vulnerable by years of bad governance.

Listen to the sheepish defence of the legislative heist by RMAFC fooling Nigerians in subtle reaction to Obasanjo, Sani and Kawu, by saying a senator collects “..N1,063,860 a month consisting of a basic salary of N168,866, vehicle fueling and maintenance of N126,650, P.A N42,216, domestic staff N126,650, entertainment N50,660, utilities N50,660, newspapers N25,330, wardrobe N42,216, house maintenance N8,443.33(?), and constituency allowance N422,166.”

Plus, non regular add-on like furniture, vehicle purchase, and severance as of when due. In the informed and naive opinion of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), that was what the nation spends on individual full time senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is simplistic as it is hypothetical. In the same vein, some legislators, while playing on people’s intelligence shamelessly pledged to give up 50% of their basic salary ( about N200k) as a mark of concern for the economic hardships Nigerians are going through!

There is an adage that says every society throws up a leadership it “deserves.” Simply put, the quality of a leader or a representative is a reflection of the larger society.

After four decades of corruptive leadership, precisely from the early 80s to date, the Nigerian citizenry has invariably been corrupted, too. And with it, loss of conscience and sense of proportion. Else, how can one explain the empathy deficits on the part of a typical legislator in Nigeria. Nigerian legislators in awarding themselves a monthly perk of an average of N19 million a month in an environment where the minimum wage was N30,000 until a few weeks ago!

A figure that many state governments are claiming inability to pay. Some actually pay less. Borno, Benue, Kogi, and a host of others are in this league. While the conditions of service of organisations such as the Research Institutes, River Basin Authorities, para military establishments like Correctional Services (Prisons), the VIO, and NCDC are yearning for improvements.

Pensioners have been worse off, as the value of the little pay that they access have been eroded by a phenomenon of galloping inflation at around 30%! Those outside the payroll system (farmers, traders, jobless individuals) could not produce or get hired because of insecurity, dearth of inputs/infrastructure, or opportunities. As a consequence, about 63% (some claim 80%) of Nigerians are estimated to be multidimensionally poor, living on less a dollar (N1,500) a day.

The parliament in Nigeria has become a liability, so observed by some well-meaning Nigerians. To the extent that some are calling for a change from the presidential system to a parliamentary one. Yet others suggest that members of the national assembly should function on a part-time basis, just to underscore their concern regarding the stench in the National Assembly. Surprisingly, successive governments seemed helpless in the face of the developments, as if jinxed.

May be the “moves” made by Obasanjo to fund and turn some elements into political tools sowed the seeds of the mess. Recall his self-serving reproachments with the leadership of the Assembly in the persons of Okadigbo, Enwerem, Salisu Buhari, Ghali Umar etc-“The Third Term debacle.”Add the “deals” that brought about the emergence of Jonathan as the president after the death of ‘Yar Adua, through the “doctrine of necessity.” There was also the politics of Buhari’s ill health at the commencement of his administration.

These and similar developments, like the deep-rooted systemic corruption within the Executive, may have defanged it when it comes to curbing the excesses in the assembly. They, instead, as a duo, now operate in partnership. Many of which are unholy. A case of quid pro quo. And the instances are legendary.

They include
a) series of external loans that total over $42 billion according to the Debt Management Office (DMO) report of 2024, with little impact, while leaving the nation with a debilitating debt overhang
b) government having free hand to ineffectually prosecute its seemingly interminable war against insecurity at mind-boggling costs (human and materials) in trillions of Naira and still count
c)allowing the government not to be accountable when it comes to addressing physical and social infrastructure such as power, health, education, etc, and to accord needed support to the productive sectors.
d) incurring multi-billion naira expenditure on renovations, furnishings of the presidential fleet (customised aircrafts and choice vehicles).

For, its acquiesce the Legislators could have free hands to;
a)fix/manipulate their entitlements which average N19 million per month, have SUVs of choice, and run “mini governments” in the “parlours” and “questional spaces” in the name of Constituency Offices.
b) get away with the brazen arm twisting and/or extortion of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) to “play ball” under the cover of legislative oversight.
For illustration and to also underscore the scandal regarding a Nigerian senator’s monthly official “package” of N21 million (curtesy Obj, Sani & Kawu), the said amount would in rough magnitudes cover the following: a)over 600 students in boarding school being fed each at N3,000 per day for a month,
b) 140 retired federal directors on the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) for a month at N150,000 (average) after working for 35 years,
c)over 40 university professors,
d)35 medical consultants.
All this at a time when schools, universities, hospitals, etc, and the plight of people are calling for serious attention. The system definitely needs rejig.

With the above baggage, the democratic experiment in Nigeria has a questional future. Something needs to be done to save it. It’s going to be easy as the two legs of the tripod (the executive and the legislature) are in bed fornicating. The Judiary that should “knock the door” has been sent on errands or given money to go buy its own “bread.”

The arguments that sections of the legislature advance to the effect that they talk of “people’s needs including projects” are not tenable. As law makers, they make laws and oversight government activities and related national issues.The principles of separation of powers designates the executive arm of the government as programme implementor while members of the assembly serve as eyes and ears of people they represent. They failed to let their constituents know about this because the claim provides them alibi to promote their self-serving interests. For, they use the public funds to buy and/or sustain loyalty in Nigeria’s largely poverty-striken and ignorant societies.

Legislative activities should not be a substitute for government executive roles and functions. The people should be made aware that such is not in consonance with democratic practices. They should also learn to demand accountability from leaders in the light of their constitional roles. Enough of the confusions and corruptive tendencies. Governance should not be allowed to systematically keep breaking the citizens down. The nation deserves better.
A.G.Abubakar agbarewa@gmail.com

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2027: VP Shettima Urges Politicians To Play Politics without Bitterness

Published

34 minutes ago

September 17, 2026

Our Reporter

As Gov AbdulRazaq Is Turbaned As Sadauna Of Ilorin Emirate

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Vice President Kashim Shettima has stressed the need for politicians to embrace one another, play politics without bitterness and according to the rules in order to ensure an astronomical growth and development for the country.

Shettima made the appeal on Wednesday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the turbaning of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, while admonishing
Nigerians to serve with humility, do good to one another and have forgiving spirit, as they, according to him, would spend more time after office.

He added: “Power is given by God to the people He so wishes and not because we are better than others. I, therefore, call on all politicians to unite themselves as one family despite their political differences.

“Take a cue from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that I serve as his assistant. He is a good and decent man who has the love and interest of Nigerians at heart.”

Shettima explained that when they assumed office in 2023, the economy of the country was at the brink of collapse, but President Tinubu refused to pass blame; with courage he accepted both the assets and liabilities and moved on.

He further disclosed that during the 2023 electioneering campaign, only six out of the 19 northern governors supported Tinubu’s presidential aspiration, based on the erroneous belief that Baba (Buhari) didn’t like him, adding: “But today the President has embraced everybody as his own and things are going on well”.

He added: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a good man by all standard; he believes in the people that work with him.”

Shettima also thanked the Emir of Ilorin for the honour done to Governor AbdulRazaq, which , he noted, was based on his contributions to the development of the Ilorin Emirate and the State at large, adding that “the father of the Governor had planted a solid footprint in the Ilorin Emirate and by extension Nigeria as a whole”.

Shettima, who expressed optimism that this new chapter would create a stronger bond between the Emirate and the family of Governor AbdulRazaq, urged the people to continue to pray for the progress and development of the Emirate and the State as a whole.

He commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his efforts in the massive improvement on infrastructure to assist the people of the State, as well as for his
contributions to the actualisation of policies and programmes of government at the federal level towards providing succour to average Nigerians.

In his remarks, the Matawaliof Ilorin Emirate, Dr.Alimi AbdulRazaq, said the title of Sardauna bestowed on the Governor was well deserved, thanking the Emir of Ilorin for finding the Governor worthy of the noble recognition by the Emirate.

Dr,Alimi urged the Governor to see the tittle as a clarion call to provide more dividends of democracy to the nooks and crannies of the State.

The turbaning ceremony witnessed large turnout of dignitaries, including the Governor of Niger state, Umar Bago, Governor of Kaduna state, Senator Uba Sani, Governor of Imo State ,Hope Uzodinma, and Governors of Kebbi ,Katsina States.

Others are the Emir of Zazzau Emirate, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, the Deputy Governors of Sokoto, Anambra, Nasarawa, Delta, Ondo, and Oyo States.

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Gov AbdulRazaq Lauded Over Conferment Of Sadauna Of Ilorin Title

Published

23 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been hailed for the conferment of the prestigious Sadauna of Ilorin Emirate title on him by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.

Giving the commendation on Tuesday in a statement in Ilorin, the state capital, Alhaji Yakubu Garba Gobir, who is the Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of the Ilorin Emirate, described the recognition and honour on Governor AbdulRazaq as well deserved, timely and apt, giving his huge contributions to the growth and development of Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State as a whole.

Gobir specifically commended the Emir of Ilorin for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna, noting that it is a solemn call for greater responsibility, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people.

He added: “The title of Sardauna occupies a position of profound significance in the history, heritage and traditions of the Ilorin Emirate. I commend His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Emir of Ilorin, for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna.

“The title embodies courage, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people. Your elevation is therefore not merely a mark of honour; it is also a solemn call to greater responsibility and continued service.

“As a fellow title-holder in the Ilorin Emirate, I am particularly delighted to welcome you into this distinguished circle of traditional leadership. I am confident that you will bring to the office the same qualities of leadership, dignity and unwavering commitment to public service that have distinguished your tenure and career.

“At a time when our Emirate and our State require men and women of character, wisdom and courage to advance the interests of our people, I am certain that you will make a meaningful contribution to the enduring unity, progress and development of the Ilorin Emirate.”

Gobir offered prayers for a successful, impactful and enduring tenure for the new Sadauna, adding:
“May Almighty Allah grant you wisdom, sound health and strength, and may He make your tenure as Sardauna of Ilorin a source of lasting honour to you, your family and the entire Ilorin Emirate.”

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FG Commissions KWASU ICT Centre To Enhance Graduates Employability

Published

23 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin.

The wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative-backed ICT Experience Centre at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

It would be recalled that KWASU is one of the six tertiary institutions selected for the pilot phase of this intervention, with one institution representing each of the Nigerian six geopolitical zones.

Represented at the commissioning on Tuesday by the wife of the Vice-President, Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the project is a testament to the federal government’s commitment to advancing education, digital inclusion and enhancing graduate employability.

“The TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre we are commissioning today represents opportunity, innovation, knowledge, and the future of young people in Kwara State and beyond.

She said: “This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which places emphasis on youth empowerment, education, innovation, and economic transformation. Mr President is committed to creating opportunities that will equip Nigerian youths with knowledge and skills required to thrive in a modern and competitive world.”

Senator Tinubu said the facility was designed as a modern technology centre equipped with ICT laboratory, interactive digital display, conference facility, and exhibition spaces, adding that it would be an environment for learning, creativity, research, and technology advancement.

According to her, the ICT centres had been commissioned at the Ekiti State University on May 28, University of Cross Rivers State on September 4, Anambra State Polytechnic on September 10, adding that the Centres at Kaduna State University and Taraba State Universities would be commissioned soon.

“The next phase of this intervention will cover 15 institutions in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara states which construction is currently ongoing. This expansion demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring that more Nigerian youths, irrespective of their locations, have access to digital learning opportunities,” she said.

She encouraged the students to take ownership of the facility, maximise the opportunity it provides, and use technology positively to enhance their lives, community, and the nation.

In his speech, the Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Architect Sonny Echono, said the centres are being established across selected Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, with the Kwara State University, Malete proudly hosting the facility in the North-Central Zone.

“Through practical training and digital skills acquisition, TETFund seeks to enhance graduate employability, foster innovation and position Nigeria to participate more effectively in the global
technology-driven economy,” he added.

Echono also said that the ICT Experience Centre is designed to equip students and lecturers with critical digital skills in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Robotics and Software Development.

He added: “The Centre being commissioned today is one of the foremost ICT Experience Centres being delivered across the country, and the third to be commissioned this year. The Centre is equipped with modern digital devices, Computer systems and relevant software to facilitate training, practical learning and skills development. The facility is appropriately furnished and
fully air-conditioned, with supporting power and municipal infrastructure.”

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Shaykh- Luqman Jimoh, said the new facility represents vision, belief, and an investment in the Nigerian youth to better shape the future of our
nation.

The Vice Chancellor described the ICT Experience Centre as an investment in human capital, in innovation, in entrepreneurship, and, most importantly, it is an investment in the future of Nigeria.

“This Centre will provide opportunities for our students to develop practical digital skills and engage with contemporary technologies. Importantly, it is our hub for interdisciplinary engagement.

“This ICT Experience Centre is therefore a timely, critical, and strategic infrastructure that will definitely enhance research, teaching, learning, entrepreneurship, and community service. This intervention is at the core of what this university seeks from partners and donors: synergies that add value and impact on today and the future,” he started.

KWASU Vice Chancellor also assured that the ICT Experience Centre would be put to maximum use for the benefit of students, researchers, and the University
community, adding that the “KWASU community would engage with the facilities in this Centre, we will use it. We will explore, experiment, learn, and innovate in i