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Politics Of The Pocket …Another Look At Senator’s Jumbo Pay
Members of Nigeria Bar Association at the 2012/2013 End of Legal Year thanksgiving service of Rivers State Judiciary in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
So over-flogged, but without desired review, public quest for knowledge on how much their representatives earn for themselves and on behalf of constituents seemed a forgotten debate. But a member of the upper chamber of Nigeria’s bi-cameral legislature, the Senate, in self-righteous indignation, or genuine piece of guilt and repentance, has again brought it to the fore of national discuss.
Unfortunately, the same senator fits the former instead of the latter because he could not summon enough courage to be identified but pleaded to remain anonymous. Anonymity could confirm one or all of the following and more: He is barred to speak on the subject matter; He might be indicting self and colleagues, particularly when, he had not rejected his due from the jumbo pay budget; Didn’t quite believe in what he was saying or simply playing-out the familiar defeatist escape card – ‘if you can’t beat them, join them,’ among others.
Even the last option, fallacious at best, is not what should be expected of a serving senator, because in their various votes on issues, abstention has never been adjudged criminal. For debate purposes, that saying should instead be- ‘if you can neither beat nor join them, abstain.’
Strangely, since the return to democratic rule when the debate over the alleged high salary and allowances of National Assembly members began and more robust towards the middle of the 5th Senate to date, only a former senator has publicly appeared self-indicting.
Senator Sola Akinyele it was, who in a recent press interview said he felt guilty having benefitted from such unjustifiable pay as a senator. Akinyele represented Ekiti South Senatorial District in the senate between 2007 and 2011 was quoted as saying:
“Honestly, I think it’s unfair. I’m also guilty of it because I benefitted from it as a senator. It’s unfair for us elite to arrogate so much of the country’s resources to ourselves and still expect economic development.”
Akinyele without doubt, must have broken his ‘oath of silence’, as Sysilian Mafians would say, because he has nothing to lose. He, therefore, lacks the moral pedigree to persuade those still drawing from what he left off. If he had said then what he is being quoted as saying, especially, while in the senate, he would have become a valuable friend of the people, particularly the curious media still asking to know how much Nigerian national law-makers earn in salaries, allowances and developmental votes meant for their various districts.
It was for the likes of Akinyele that the fiery American Black Rights activist Martin Luther King Jnr once said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends.”
Sadly, the only serving senator ever to speak and who should have won the prize has chosen to bury his identity in the familiar sands of Assembly secrecy, apparently unwilling to stir a debate that could culminate in the down-ward review of not only the silent many, but also his irresistible annual take-home pay.
The senator’s comments stemmed from some of the demands made by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) bordering on further improved pay, beyond the special package earlier obliged. He said that it was his utmost belief that ASUU made the demands it made because of their knowledge of what senators earn.
Conceding as fact that the senators’ salaries were indeed outrageous, and describing same as unnecessary, the unnamed senator, however, said, if he had rejected the jumbo pay he would have been viewed as insane having found himself within the system.
In veiled reference to the familiar dictum, he who goes to equity must do so in clean hands, the senator explained that a senate that enjoys such huge earnings from the Commonwealth could not have earned the respect and understanding of those asking for peanuts, from the senate’s perspective. He nonetheless described the ASUU demands as most outrageous and unheard of anywhere in the world.
“I believe what we earn is not justifiable. That is why ASUU was making unnecessary demands. I wonder why the Federal Government should reach an agreement with them on such demands. These are demands that are not made by lecturers anywhere in the world. If they are asking for well-equipped libraries, laboratories or conducive learning environment, it would have been understandable. But everything is about themselves.
“How can they be asking for extra pay because they have large classes? Is it not their responsibility to teach whether a class is large or not? And in any case, who admitted that large class? But they are making these demands just because they know what we earn,” the senator lamented.
Truly, we should sympathise with the senator, because he believes that if some wide-mouthed thorn-coat, close to or within the corridors of the National Assembly had not leaked to the striking lecturers, a closely guarded secret of how much senators earn, ASUU would not have made what he considers meaningless and outrageous demands. As outrageous and meaningless as the salaries, allowances and constituency votes of a senator appear?
The secrecy built around the subject, rather than discourage questions has continued to illicit deeper curiousity as it does rumours, which is hardly healthy for a senate that insists on executive transparency and openness in governance. This situation can only incapacitate the National Assembly in adjudicating on issues bordering emoluments of others, especially among various workers’ movements.
For a country that saw countless threats,warning and strikes, and then more strikes by Nigerian workers only to earn a minimum wage of N18,000, it is most absurd that senators and indeed members of the National Assembly could overlook what one-time slain US President J. F. Kennedy once said: “A society that cannot provide for the poor cannot protect the rich”.
Could it be reason for the increasing spate of violent protests and criminality in the land? A land of plenty where, less than 500 people, annually earn salaries and allowances that can offer employment to nearly 1,000,000 semi-skilled applicants at a start-off salary of just N25,000, if revelation, even with the guarded secret, of what National Assembly members earn, are leads to go by.
A recent internet publication put the basic salary of a senator at allegedly N2,484,245.50. And there are 109 of them, three of whom represent each of the 36 states of the federation and one for Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital.
However, the N2,484,245.50 looks like a tinny pinch of the package because according to the publication, a Nigerian senator takes home N11million as regular salary and allowances. And they are 109.
Again, every quarter, the report said, a senator takes home N27 million as quarterly allowances. This does not cover windfalls from estacodes on foreign trips and allowances on tours. And they are 109.
The report also alleged that the senate leadership, comprising 10 principal officers draw N1,024,000.000 (One Billion, twenty million naira only) every three months, making N4,096,000,000bn in a year.
This figure, at the N18,000 minimum wage, can provide annual salaries of 38,641 and still pay a desperate casual worker willing to earn half the minimum wage of N9,000, that is, if these allegations are indeed true. If yes, then secrecy is necessary.
However, methink rather than leave it as a secret and illicit avoidable damaging rumours, the same reason, law-makers voted for the Freedom of Information Act, they should rationalise their earnings by first of all, making the facts known. After all, is it not said that a people, better educated on issues are easier to govern?
The senators at least have a starting point for defence. One of their own recently said elections in Nigeria are very expensive. According to him, by the time a senator wins elections, campaign tours, logistics, media contacts and mobilisation, security, youth and women support needs and indeed gifts for loyalty, the senator would have expended more than 100 million naira. This does not cover the senator’s health needs and those of key aides and supporters, not to mention the expenses often incurred in course of the often ranchorous party primaries.
Infact, according to the senator, it is more expensive for a would-be senator to win the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket than to win the general elections.
If these funds were sourced from banks and individuals, the benefactors surely must expect repayment in various forms and sometimes with interest. Could that have accounted for the consideration of what a senator earns? If that be yardstick, one can only imagine how a President and Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria should earn, since his campaign also cover the 109 senatorial districts: Take-home salary N11 million multiplied by 109? Don’t scream.
It should not be so. The world’s undebatably, most powerful president, US President Obama, the same report said, earn 400,000 dollars annually, that at an outrageous exchange rate of N200 only amounts to N80 million. But that should not be a yardstick because the number of hangers-on and behaviour of constituents to elected representatives are different here in Nigeria, same is true of the magnitude of rural poor who look on to the senators and members of the House of Representatives as a source of their livelihood. They ask for weekly hand-outs instead of paying jobs, often.
My Agony is that rather than list more and more of these encumbrances as reasons for the kind of salaries and allowances they earn, the senators have chosen to make it a secret, like a tortoise that hides its head in the sands, with body totally visible. Such is the non-secret of the senate’s secret on jumbo pay.
Front Pix
DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.