By Barrister Efosa Ogieriakhi*
The bicameral legislature as enshrined in Section 4 of the Nigerian Constitution comprises of 109 Senate and 360 House of Representatives Members.
The exact total figure for the car purchase so far differs in the public space. It’s said to be approximately sixty (60) billion naira in total. Meaning each lawmaker will be entitled to a car worth between 150 and 160 million naira.
Nigerians have and are still protesting against these spendings.
Firstly, it’s paramount to sight the binding constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Chapter 2, Section 14 of the nigerian constitution of 1999: The Government And The People
- The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a State based on the principle of democracy and social justice.
- It is hereby, accordingly, declared that:
(a) sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, from whom government through this constitution derives all its powers and authority;
(b) the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government: and
(c) the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution. - The composition of the Government of the Federation or any agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few State of from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or in any of its agencies.
- The composition of the Government of a State, a local government council, or any of the agencies of such Government or council, and the conduct of the affairs of the Government or council or such agencies shall be carried out in such a manner as to recognise the diversity of the people within its area of authority and the need to promote a sense of belonging and loyalty among all the people of the of the Federation. This constitutional provision does not only stipulate the direction of play for the legislators, but also keeps reminding them of their ultimate legislative responsibilities for the people. In other words, they are there for the people and not for themselves. The People directs the way and they must obey. This is how people’s government functions. Anything short of this, they are on their own.
After the EndSARS Protests and the turbulences surrounding the national election of 25th of February 2023, I did believe that now the voice of the people will count and be respected by all arms of government.
I have read about several nationwide and International protests against the spending intension on cars for the Nigerian national legislators. This is not a silent expression, but an explicit collective ‘Will’ of the people to deny this particular spending and also send clear signal against future similar spendings.
Such purchase-intention alone shows the huge gap between the lawmakers and the people they claim to be representing. With proper understanding of the current economic situation of the people, such intention wouldn’t have been given birth to. Thinking of it at all, shows the legislators and the people are living in two different worlds. This is not expected from any serious arm of government with high level of administrative understanding.
Recently, some States introduced three working days at place of work. This was due to high cost of living.
Nigerians -home and abroad- are vehemently saying a capital ‘NO’ to Car Purchase for national legislators.
Notwithstanding, the monthly take-home of each legislator should be enough to get themselves good personal cars.
This reminds me of Rufai from Arise TV “let the poor breathe-.
Life is easy, if we collectively get leadership right.
God Bless Edo State And God Bless The Federal Republic Of Nigeria!
*Barrister Efosa F. Ogieriakhi is a Governorship Aspirant of Labour Party in Edo State
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