Senators’ Pay Controversy: MBF’s Bitrus Demands Sanctions

MBF President Bitrus calls for sanctions regarding senators’ monthly pay. Explore his arguments and the potential impact on legislative salaries.

The President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Dr. Pogu Bitrus, has commented on the ongoing dispute surrounding Nigerian senators’ monthly salaries. He asserts that these members of parliament should face consequences for receiving payments exceeding what was established by RMAFC, which is responsible for establishing public servant compensation in Nigeria.

During the OBASANJONEWS interview, various topics were discussed including recent hunger protests throughout Nigeria and a call for the country’s separation by Northern elder Prof Ango Abdullahi.

The ongoing debate regarding the true earnings of senators has been intensifying recently. Despite the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) stating that each senator earns N1.06 million, a senator from Kano claims to receive N21 million per month in salary as a member of parliament. What are your thoughts on this matter?

The senators are disregarding the guidelines set forth by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, which sets salary and benefits for public servants in Nigeria. This demonstrates their non-compliance with established laws of the country.

The problem at hand is the presence of a dissenting national assembly that functions as an entity distinct from our own country. It’s imperative to impose penalties on them. The responsibility lies with Nigerians who must rally and demand compliance with what RMAFC has established, taking whatever action needed to achieve it.

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Regrettably, this brand of idiocy can be attributed to our government structure. Our president permits national assembly members’ unbridled actions solely for his own survival, and as a result, we find ourselves in this predicament.

As we’ve discussed, the current constitution is insufficient and unsuitable for our nation. We must seek a solution that serves our collective welfare by preventing corrupt officials from exploiting their positions of power to steal from the country. Although I do not typically advocate for a parliamentary form of government, given prevailing circumstances, such a system may be better suited to us as long as proper safeguards are implemented beforehand.

I propose that we return to the 1963 constitution, enhance it using recommendations from the 2014 confab report and produce a new effective constitution that will benefit Nigerians. This is necessary to put an end to instances where people prioritize making money over serving their nation while functioning under flawed laws prevent proper accountability and punishment of offenders. The imperative thus remains for all-encompassing legislation fit for our diverse populace.

What was your initial response to the presentation of the counter-subversion bill by the Speaker of House Reps, and now that it has been withdrawn, what are your current thoughts on this matter?

They’ve acknowledged the bill’s inadequacy and observed Nigerians’ reactions, leading to its retraction. As it has been recalled, we should let bygones be bygones. It is detrimental for both Nigeria and its citizens; hence they listened to their people before retracting it promptly.

What is your opinion on the praise given to the Speaker by Nigerians? This stems from previous instances where bills that faced opposition and resistance from citizens were still enacted into law.

If commendations are being offered for the withdrawal of the bill, it simply confirms that our Speaker is attentive to his constituents. This should come as no surprise; elected officials ought to represent their community and abstain from promoting flawed or undesirable policies. Therefore, discussion regarding an abandoned proposal only serves as a futile exercise when there are other pressing issues at hand.

The House Committees on Petroleum (Midstream and Downstream) is currently embroiled in accusations of financial malfeasance, resulting in the dissolution of the joint committee by the Speaker. Several Nigerians are advocating for an investigation into this committee. Do you support their demand?

It is imperative to investigate every instance of corruption and hold accountable those responsible. Corruption remains the greatest threat to this nation. If you have heard Okoi Obono-Obla speak in interviews, it’s apparent that our country reeks with pervasive corruption because we lack a unified national identity. Only when there is unity among people who strive for progress can things improve; but unfortunately, some individuals do not prioritize the betterment of their homeland as they harbor doubts about its future potentiality

As far as they are concerned, it’s a mere geographical term. Therefore, whenever the opportunity arises, they plunder to their heart’s content because they believe that what they’re taking doesn’t belong to them. Ultimately, this issue revolves around constitutional matters. Suppose we abide by the 1963 constitution in which each region generates its revenue and pays it into a central pool; would anyone from the Niger Delta feel inclined to pilfer money from his own pocket? Certainly not! However those who steal either in or outside of northern Nigeria do so with impunity since there is no sense of belonging for them regarding this matter.

The issue at hand is the inadequacy of our current system, which needs to be corrected. It is hoped that our president will take initiative and start from scratch if necessary, as it’s not mandatory for the national assembly to effect change; a constituent assembly could instead utilize Nigeria’s 2014 confab report and create an updated constitution aimed towards benefitting all citizens evenly. If this comes into fruition, local revenue can go towards community development without fear or temptation of corruption. This positive outcome would also bring accountability for those who choose dishonest practices because they don’t believe in their country overall – something we are working hard to avoid through careful changes and sincere prayers directed toward government progress.

From the nationwide hunger protest that took place between August 1 and 10, what insights do you believe both Nigerians and their government could gather?

While protests are a legitimate means for individuals to voice their dissent on issues they deem unjust, the situation in Northern Nigeria spiraled out of control and resulted in acts such as looting, arson and destruction. One might wonder why this was predominantly seen in the north; perhaps there is more embedded frustration within those communities? This occurrence during these demonstrations should serve as an important lesson moving forward.

The crux of the matter is that there are numerous rumors circulating about individuals attempting to financially back or solicit others with a view towards sabotaging the government. This situation disappoints me greatly, considering all we have accomplished as a democracy thus far. Although I did not initially endorse President Tinubu – instead serving under Peter Obi’s administration – he now holds Nigeria’s highest office and has implemented several admirable initiatives in my opinion.

It seems that the security forces have been granted some freedom to handle the insurgents, which is commendable. However, regarding economic matters, it appears that numerous blunders have been made most likely due to poor advice from his team or perhaps an overly ambitious desire for decision-making power resulting in our current financial woes.

Protest is allowed, however, it becomes alarming when protests escalate to the extent of burning people’s homes and even political spouses’ residences as seen in Yobe and Jigawa. Although there has been little reporting on Yobe’s demonstrations, they are among some of the most destructive with arson occurring at secretariats and other locations. From these events we should learn that we must prevent future protests from reaching this level of destruction.

When individuals begin expressing discontent, it’s crucial for the government to actively listen and work towards resolving issues through peaceful negotiations. Protesting should be avoided as it is susceptible to being hijacked, which can result in severe property damage that can’t be easily repaired. The recent protest in Gombe State aimed mainly at the governor rather than the president, leading to various unfavorable occurrences. Therefore, we must understand that addressing problems through dialogue before they reach a boiling point is essential.

During a recent interview, the distinguished northern elder Professor Ango Abdullahi proposed that it is high time for Nigeria’s constituent ethnic groups to examine the terms of their 1914 amalgamation and contemplate terminating their alliance due to the failure of various ethnic groups to achieve political cohesion even after over a century. What are your thoughts on this matter?

After studying the matter, our stance as Middle Belt inhabitants is that we do not identify with the northern region which he proposes to separate. Our standpoint maintains that we are Nigerian citizens and will remain so in our present location; however, they may depart if they desire. We were brought together under Indirect Rule.

Without the implementation of Indirect Rule, we would not have become distinct entities. The Middle Belt region on a 1910 map was neither occupied by the caliphate nor sultanate of Borno and hence became our identity. Although those who wish to leave are free to do so, we identify as Nigerians and will remain with fellow citizens who share this belief in our country’s values. We have already addressed this topic previously.