TUC: N9bn wardrobe, furniture, car allowances to NASS members worrisome, ridiculous

It beats the imagination of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) that at a time when workers in over 23 states are yet to be paid, rumours are rife that about N9bn is being proposed to be disbursed next week to the new National Assembly members as wardrobe, car, accommodation and furniture allowances. More worrisome is the fact that most governors who are owing were either re-elected in the last general elections or are now members of the red and green chambers.
In a statement by TUC President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, and Secretary General, Comrade Musa Lawal, the Congress charged politicians not to betray Nigerians again, because of the grave sacrifice the people made to ensure that the much-touted “change” is entrenched in all facets of our national life. However, it must be sounded that the desired change will become reality only if our leaders make as much sacrifice as the people have done.
According to the Congress, “if the change we expect must come, this administration must review the provisions of the constitution that expressly stipulate such privileges for political office-holders. The cost of governance in our country is outrageously high and unsustainable and we may resort to civil disobedience or other legal measures to compel a reduction of same if nothing is done about it in the nearest future.”
The labour leaders lamented the display of affluence by politicians even in the social media, explaining that the only difference between the Nigerians who live in the slums and those squandering our commonwealth is misappropriated opportunity.
Said they, “Furthermore, considering the nation’s present socio-economic realities, it is totally indefensible for senators and members of the House of Representatives to be paid as much as N2 million and N1.8 million respectively as basic salary every month. Where then lies any justification for their claims to being contributors to the growth of a nation where unemployment and other social vices are the order of the day?”
They added: “The enormous cost of governance contributes immensely to the economic crises rocking the Nigerian boat. How is this huge amount justifiable in the light of the current financial dilemma the nation is overwhelmed with? What do the legislators who often turn down proposals for wage increase for the workers do to deserve these mind-blowing sums of money? We think it is high time Nigerians take their destiny in their hands and stand firm against these injustices and inequality.”
The TUC also urged the federal government to “remember its campaign promises which include monthly allowances for unemployed graduates, fight against corruption and insecurity, provision of quality infrastructure, etc. Nigerians cannot wait to see the pomised change.”
They concluded: “Finally, while we commend the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for commencing the process of revoking licences awarded to power generation companies who failed to live up to the terms and milestones specified therein, we also wish to discourage them from further increase in tariff. On states that are owing their workers, we demand prompt payment immediately to ensure continued peaceful industrial environment. Please do not steal our change again.”