After the inauguration of the 8th Senate, it was evident Nigeria was prepared for a legislative arm with a difference, going by the crop of individuals that found their way into the upper chamber. They were refined professionals, distinguished and experienced individuals when it comes to leadership.

The Senate President himself, a medical doctor and a former governor of Kwara ably aided by his Deputy, a long-standing Senator and a Lawyer among other individuals which includes social activist Senator Shehu Sani.

The Senate also has a Businessman and media investor, Senator Ben Murray Bruce – representing Bayelsa East federal constituency. Not long had the Senate been inaugurated that he became a social media sensation with his “common sense” videos where he makes a presentation on national issues with accompanying solution.

The peak of his common sense message was the launch of a book titled, A CommonSense Revolution in commemoration of his 60th birthday and his decision to donate his wardrobe allowance to Osun state workers in June 2015, although condemned by Governor Aregbesola.

Since then, he has been busy with his videos and twitter rants which; always generating a divided opinion. One of the major controversies that have befallen the current Senate is their earnings as salaries and allowances which has been described as the highest in the world.

This discuss was reignited recently by the Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-corruption (PACAC), Professor Itse Sagay. He alleged that each senator earns the sum of N29 Million monthly and N3 Billion annually. This figure was however denied by the National Assembly which refused to mention how much they earn as monthly remuneration.

In a bid to get more information about this, a Twitter user asked Senator Ben Bruce how much he earns and he responded thus, “Except you are my constituent, it is silly for anyone to have a problem with the Senate’s salaries and come to me. Go to your own senator!”

This statement  was roundly condemned by Twitter users but apart from condemning Ben Murray Bruce it has some implications for us as a Nation.

One, we are yet to get it right with the crop of people we elect into political office. Our inability to elect those we can call to order has made our responsibility as voters restricted to voting and nothing else.

Two, the National Assembly is a public “cult” or how do we describe a group of 469 individuals that maintain deafening silence when its comes to how much allowance they earn? Does it mean we don’t have an individual that can speak out and damn the “consequence” of speaking out?

Three, the National Assembly as presently constituted is a danger to democracy. The executive is the arm of government that is always at the forefront of corruption and impunity while the belief is that National Assembly will offer a check and balance. With this dead silence emanating from the National Assembly as it relates to their earnings, will they have the moral right to probe acts of corruption in the executive?

As sad as the word from Ben Murray Bruce might be, the implications are far-reaching.