x

Nigeria Needs to Cut the Cost of Democracy, Says Obanikoro

Former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has called for a review of the budget allocated to the Senate and House of Representatives to reduce the high cost of governance. Speaking on Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Obanikoro stressed the need for greater transparency in the National Assembly’s budget.

“Democracy has become expensive because we have made it so. In the United States, for example, lawmakers are not provided with accommodation and live on their salary and minimal fringe benefits. Democracy doesn’t have to be this costly,” Obanikoro explained.

He argued that transparency in the legislative budget could mitigate the recent calls for a parliamentary system of government. “If the budget is transparent and citizens can see allocations for each member of the National Assembly online, and contribute to the process, it will make the institution less expensive,” he stated.

Obanikoro suggested that reducing the National Assembly’s budget could address concerns about the bicameral system. “If we cut the budget to a reasonable level, many Nigerians would find it acceptable. There are budgetary provisions that should not exist, and we must be courageous enough to eliminate them,” he added.

Hot this week

MRA announces call for entries for 2026 Goodluck Jonathan FOI Awards

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaMedia Rights Agenda (MRA) Thursday,...

China: Africa’s Most Reliable Companion on Africa’s Path to Development

By:-H.E. Ambassador JIANG Feng, Head of the Mission of the People’s Republic of...

ABIEXPO: Wike Woos Investors to Abuja’s Business Clime

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju The Minister of the Federal...

Gov Alia Dissolves Lobi Stars FC Board, Management to Reposition Club for Better Performance

By Isaac Kertyo, MakurdiBenue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth...

BREAKING: Police Arrest Omoyele Sowore at Abuja Court

Human rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, was arrested...

ITA vs NGA: Match Preview and Kickoff Time Ahead of Today’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Clash

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will take...

Super Falcons Receive N50m Cash Gift from Governor Dapo Abiodun [PHOTOS]

The Super Falcons have received a ₦50 million cash...

Agribusiness revolution key to Nigeria’s economic recovery- Lawmaker

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,UyoA member of the Akwa Ibom Assembly,...

Police dismantle illegal firearms factory in A’ibom

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,UyoAn illegal firearms fabrication factory located in...

INSPIRATION: When Sleep Escapes the Soul

With Mary EwaIf God did not create sleep for...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img