N9bn Jumbo Pay: Stop this mindless waste, TUC warns lawmakers

June 17, 2015 – Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, (TUC) has condemned ongoing attempt to disburse N9 billion as wardrobe, car, accommodation and furniture allowance to senators and members of the House of Representatives in the coming week.

In a statement signed by Comrades Bobboi Kaigama and Musa Lawa, President and Secretary, respectively, the congress noted that it is disheartening that the nation is embarking on this waste at a time that workers in over 18 states are yet to be paid.

“More worrisome is the fact that most governors who are owing were either re-elected in the last general elections or are now members of the red and green chambers”, TUC said, and warned politicians to ensure that the much-touted “change” is entrenched in all facets of our national life.

“If the change we expect must come, this administration must review the provisions of the constitution that expressly stipulate such privileges for political office-holders. The cost of governance in our country is outrageously high and unsustainable and we may resort to civil disobedience or other legal measures to compel a reduction of same if nothing is done about it in the nearest future,” TUC said.

TUC lamented the display of affluence by politicians even in the social media, explaining  that the only difference between the Nigerians who live in the slums and those squandering the commonwealth is misappropriated opportunity.

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 “Furthermore, considering the nation’s present socio-economic realities, it is totally indefensible for senators and members of the House of Representatives to be paid as much as N2 million and N1.8 million respectively as basic salary every month.  Where then lies any justification for their claims to being contributors to the growth of a nation where unemployment and other social vices are the order of the day?

“The enormous cost of governance contributes immensely to the economic crises rocking the Nigerian boat. How is this huge amount justifiable in the light of the current financial dilemma the nation is overwhelmed with? What do the legislators who often turn down proposals for wage increase for the workers do to deserve these mind-blowing sums of money? We think it is high time Nigerians take their destiny in their hands and stand firm against these injustices and inequality,” the TUC said.

The TUC also urged the federal government to “remember its campaign promises which include monthly allowances for unemployed graduates, fight against corruption and insecurity, provision of quality infrastructure.

“ Nigerians cannot wait to see the promised change,” TUC said. The union also commended the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for commencing the process of revoking licenses awarded to power generation companies who failed to live up to the terms and milestones specified therein”, the statement added.