TheCable

Nasiru Ali, a member of the house of representatives from Kano state, has asked his colleagues to donate part of their salaries to fund security agencies.

Ali said a percentage of the lawmakers’ salaries should be donated to a special fund for the operation of the armed forces.

He said this while contributing to the debate on a “Bill for an act to provide special financial support, training and modern security equipment for the revamping of the a Nigerian armed forces”.

The bill sponsored by Babajimi Benson from Lagos seeks to provide for special funds to boost the operation of the armed forces.

Ali said a reviewable percentage of the lawmakers’ salaries which would span throughout the tenure of the current assembly would help in the establishment of the scheme.

“I suggest that every one of us should contribute a percentage of his or her salary to the fund,” he said.

His comment did not go down well with most of the lawmakers who responded by murmuring.

Femi Gbajabiamila, the speaker, said his suggestion would be considered at the committee level, the next stage of the bill.

Nigeria’s lawmakers are said to be among the highest earners among their colleagues globally.

Akin Alabi who represents Egbeda/Ona-Ara federal constituency of Oyo state said last year that the lawmakers earn about N9 million monthly.