Dr. Pogu Bitrus, President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), has demanded sanctions for Nigerian senators reportedly receiving salaries beyond the limits set by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). The controversy surrounding senators’ monthly earnings intensified after conflicting figures emerged, with RMAFC stating a figure of N1.06 million, while some senators claimed monthly pay of up to N21 million.
In a recent interview with DAILY POST, Bitrus criticized the defiance of RMAFC’s regulations by the national assembly, accusing lawmakers of operating outside the bounds of established laws. He described this situation as a significant breach of legal and ethical standards, urging that the Nigerian populace must demand adherence to RMAFC’s salary guidelines.
“The senators’ actions indicate blatant disobedience to the laws established by RMAFC,” Bitrus asserted. “This disregard necessitates appropriate sanctions to enforce compliance.”
Bitrus further linked the issue to broader systemic failures, suggesting that the current presidential administration’s leniency towards the national assembly’s misconduct is part of a troubling trend. He argued that the deficient 1999 constitution contributes to these issues, advocating for a return to the 1963 constitution, improved with the 2014 national conference report, to ensure effective governance and accountability.
Addressing recent political developments, Bitrus expressed relief over the withdrawal of the controversial counter subversion bill initiated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. He praised the Speaker for responding to public outcry and noted that such responsiveness is crucial for democratic governance.
On the topic of corruption within the House of Representatives’ Committees on Petroleum, Bitrus supported calls for a thorough probe, emphasizing that corruption remains a major challenge for Nigeria’s development.
Reflecting on the nationwide hunger protests from August 1 to 10, Bitrus highlighted the destructive turn of protests in the north, which included looting and arson. He stressed the importance of addressing grievances through dialogue rather than allowing protests to escalate into violence.
Finally, Bitrus responded to northern elder Prof Ango Abdullahi’s suggestion for reconsidering Nigeria’s amalgamation. He affirmed the Middle Belt Forum’s commitment to Nigeria’s unity, emphasizing that the Middle Belt remains dedicated to the nation despite calls for secession from other regions.
