The former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday, caused a stir at the retreat organised for those elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Ribadu had expressed the need for members and members-elect of the National Assembly to make their monthly salaries public and also cut their budget in line with the current economic realities in the country.
Participants, who were mainly national lawmakers at the event held at the Presidential Hotel in Port Harcourt, began to talk to each other in an apparent show of discomfort when the ex-EFCC chairman called for a slash in the emoluments and budget.
Speaking further, the former anti-corruption czar, who said the PDP lawmakers would be going back to the National Assembly as the minority party, advised them (lawmakers) to ensure transparency.
He warned that Nigerians would not support the PDP if they (Nigerians) did not know what was earmarked for the National Assembly or how much a senator earns.
Ribadu pointed out that patriotism and quality contributions from members of the PDP in the National Assembly would go a long way toward reinventing the party and prepare it for a successful comeback in future elections.
He said, “If Nigerians do not know how much is earmarked for the National Assembly or how much money a Senator earns, they will support you, casting any stone elsewhere. We must understand the pulse of the nation, the mood of the country.
“The first step, therefore, is to open up the National Assembly, ensure transparency. Public office is what it is; public. Also, at this critical time of austerity, be champions in the cut by slashing your own budget.
“My very good friend, Ben Bruce, has already spoken about this. There are many others that are already saying it. For you to excel, you must put in extra effort, more than your colleagues in other parties.”
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