In response to the recent outcry from Nigerians against perceived huge allowances being paid to federal legislators, the Senate yesterday began moves to reduce its earnings by constituting a committee to draw a roadmap for the review.

The move, which is geared towards ensuring accountability in the Senate, is the first of its kind since 1999.

It was also in fulfillment of the promise made by Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, last week after a meeting with the leadership of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

The nine-man committee is expected to determine if the deduction earlier done is adequate or not; determine whether the mode of disbursement of office running cost is appropriate; determine whether National Assembly detailed budget should be made public; liaise with secretary of finance and accounts to determine appropriate salary and allowances for members as well as  consider the standard running cost and any other related issue.

The committee is chaired by Senate Leader, Ali Ndume. Other members of the committee are: Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central), Shaba Lafiagi (Kwara North), Sunny Ogbuoji (Ebonyi South), James Manager (Delta South), Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East), Dino Melaye (Kogi West and Ben Murray-Bruce (Bayelsa East).

While inaugurating the committee on Thursday, Saraki said agitation for the reduction of cost of governance particularly the earnings of lawmakers in Nigeria has remained a sensitive matter which according to him, calls for accountability and transparency in all spheres of legislation.

He tasked the committee to carry out thorough fiscal examination on Senate’s finances with a view to evolving a cost effective regime.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/senate-begins-move-to-reduce-its-allowances/213151/

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