Reps Set to Cut July to Dec Salary by 50% to Cushion Economic Hardship- Abbas
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has said the 50 percent salary cut decision by members of the House to help indigent Nigerians amid the current economic challenges can be renewed after six months.
The Speaker said members of the House share in the economic situation Nigerians are going through, adding that no sacrifice is too much to cushion the effect of the hardship.
Members of the House recently offered to forfeit 50 percent of their monthly salaries for the next six months to assist in the procurement of food items for distribution to Nigerians.
Abbas made the appeal while delivering his remarks through deputy Benjamin Okezie Kalu at the inauguration of the National Legislative Network on Nutrition and Food Security and Investiture of the Speaker as Patron, organised by the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security.
The Speaker pleaded with the people, especially the youth for patience, saying that concerted efforts are currently ongoing to end hunger in the land, while also appealing to Nigerians to shun the planned protest, emphasized it is detrimental to the development of the country.
He said: “The growing concern over food security in our country resulting from prevailing hike in food prices and the economic challenges we are currently facing as a nation reinforce the urgent need for this gathering.
“Today’s event gives our nation renewed optimism and reassures Nigerians that as representatives of the people, we identify with them at this critical time just as we take concrete steps to support the federal government’s efforts to address the food and nutritional issues in our country.
“We have therefore commenced a crucial journey today that will restore hope to our suffering masses and guarantee the enhancement of their well-being.
“We must admit that this is not the best of time in our nation for all citizens, but as we have demonstrated in our last plenary, we have shown concern with the contribution of 50% of our salaries to support food supplies to the people.
“I urge Nigerians to give the executive cabinet members of this cabinet of the president the support that they need to make these dreams and visions become a mission that all of us will be proud of. We cannot afford to fight those who are fighting for the youths and the women.
