L
LequteMan
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Nigeria - A house of Representatives member Rep. Temitope Sugar yesterday has condemned moves to slash lawmakers salaries in the country and insisted that Nigerian legislators were not overpaid.
Speaking with News Agency of Nigeria, Sugar, who represents Lagelu/Akinyele Federal constituency of Oyo State, said legislators earned ``moderate remuneration’’ in line with the economic realities in the country.
“It is unfair to say that legislators, either at the state and federal levels, are overpaid when you consider the expenses they run.
“As a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, my former monthly take home pay was N435, 000, but my monthly expenses went far above that.
“Our constituents do not know the difference between the executive and the legislative arms of government.
“If they perceive you as not delivering the dividends of democracy to them, they continue to complain.’’
“My experience here in Abuja has not been too encouraging, particularly as it concerns accommodation.
“I had to do some vigorous search before I could secure a moderate accommodation at N5 million per annum.
“I wonder what informed government’s decision to sell the legislative quarters in Apo; it was a very counter-productive policy.’’
Sugar, therefore, urged the Federal Government to take steps to reduce the high cost of living in the capital city.
The lawmaker also opposed the suggestion that the job of lawmakers should be on part-time basis, saying that it would not be in the interest of the country.
Speaking with News Agency of Nigeria, Sugar, who represents Lagelu/Akinyele Federal constituency of Oyo State, said legislators earned ``moderate remuneration’’ in line with the economic realities in the country.
“It is unfair to say that legislators, either at the state and federal levels, are overpaid when you consider the expenses they run.
“As a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, my former monthly take home pay was N435, 000, but my monthly expenses went far above that.
“Our constituents do not know the difference between the executive and the legislative arms of government.
“If they perceive you as not delivering the dividends of democracy to them, they continue to complain.’’
“My experience here in Abuja has not been too encouraging, particularly as it concerns accommodation.
“I had to do some vigorous search before I could secure a moderate accommodation at N5 million per annum.
“I wonder what informed government’s decision to sell the legislative quarters in Apo; it was a very counter-productive policy.’’
Sugar, therefore, urged the Federal Government to take steps to reduce the high cost of living in the capital city.
The lawmaker also opposed the suggestion that the job of lawmakers should be on part-time basis, saying that it would not be in the interest of the country.
