We're broke, we can't conduct our services efficiently - House of Reps cries out
The House of Representatives says it is broke and cannot afford to carry out its constitutional mandate effectively.
Lawmakers during plenary in the Federal House of Representatives chamber [Twitter/@NGRHouse]
Recommended articles
The lawmaker said the budget of the National Assembly should be reviewed upward to enable it cope with the situation.
“Yes the house is broke, I have said it before and I am saying it again and I am not afraid of saying it.
“This is the fact, until Nigerians believe that the appropriation that was made for the running of the National Assembly which was done when exchange rate of naira to dollar was 180 is less now than what it used to be.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The dollar equivalent today has gone up to over N400, the purchasing power of the budget as it is now, is weaker than it was 10 years ago,” he said.
Kalu said that he had fought with the leadership of the house and I have asked the question.
“Why are you afraid to raise the budget of the National Assembly that will enable us conduct our services efficiently and effectively.
“We appropriate for agencies to run effectively and yet, we are in penury trying to run our own constitutional mandate, it is a disservice to Nigerians and the poor budget of the parliament is a disservice to Nigerians,” he said.
The spokesman explained that the N128 billion appropriated for the National Assembly was divided among all the agencies in the parliament about 6,000 members of staff and lawmakers' aides.
ADVERTISEMENT
Kalu said that legislators needed professional experts to work with them to produce laws and motion that would address the needs of the people.
“If you go to U.S., you see professors who are consulting and working directly with members of parliament,” he said.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
Forgive me my papa - Self-acclaimed Hausa traditional ruler kneels to beg Oba of Benin
Fubara grows Rivers IGR by over 100%, less than 1 year after Wike's tenure
Plateau University suspends exams over killing of student
Nigeria laughing stock of the rest of the world due to insecurity - TY Danjuma
APC group claims Tinubu’s initiatives stimulating economic recovery
Plateau Gov urges calm after attack that led to death of 200-level PLASU student
NAFDAC reopens popular Ibadan supermarket shut for selling unregistered product
Gov Adeleke lavished with praise for providing water, sanitation facilities
CSO inaugurates campaign to combat electoral irregularities, promote reforms
Pulse Sports
Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami
Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe
Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
