Why 50% salary slash by Reps to tackle economic crisis is not enough, Atiku speaks

• Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar commended the House of Representatives for cutting their salaries by 50%
• However, the former vice president described the measure as insufficient, urging more comprehensive financial reforms.
• Atiku emphasized that the main financial burden lies in lawmakers' allowances rather than their salaries

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has commended the move by House of Representatives members to slash their salaries by 50 per cent as part of an effort to tackle the country's increasing hunger.

Legit.ng recalls that reps members announced on Thursday, July 18, a decision to slash their salaries by 50 per cent to address the country's spate of economic hardships.

Ex-President Atiku Abubakar reacts to Reps move to tackle hunger crisis Photo credit: @OrderPaper/Atiku Abubakar
Source: Twitter

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim, who appealed to the sponsors of the planned nationwide protests to scrap the idea and engage the government in dialogue, The Nigerian Tribune reported.

Atiku: IIt'scommendable but insufficient

However, further reacting to this development, Atiku, via his social media X handle, @atiku, described the effort as a' aop in the ocean,' suggesting that more comprehensive measures are necessary to address the dire situation.

He said:

"The sacrifice of members of the House of Representatives is commendable. But it is a drop in the ocean. The demons are in the allowances and not the salaries of lawmakers and government officials in general."

The Oronsaye Report and MDA Ballooning

Atiku also pointed out the lack of progress in implementing the Oronsaye Report, which recommended streamlining government agencies to reduce costs.

He remarked:

"Whatever happened to the much-trumpeted implementation of the Oronsaye Report? Recently, the ballooning of MDAs with the attendant cost implications has been observed."

Atiku calls for comprehensive expense cuts

The former Vice President emphasized the importance of cutting expenses across the board.

Atiku sternly warned against the current financial practices, saying,

"We can no longer afford to borrow money to fund continued irresponsibility in government."

Atiku blasts Tinubu over Ndume’s moval

In another development, Legit.ng reported that Atiku had described the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, as an enabler of executive recklessness of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led executive.

He made this statement while reacting to the removal of Senator Ali Ndume as the Senate's Chief Whip.

Source: Legit.ng