There has been a back and forth argument concerning how much National Assembly members earn, and their silence has made things more difficult. As a result, several figures are being brandished by NGOs, CSOs and individuals as to what they earn.

As a result of their prolonged silence, several figures are being brandished by NGOs, CSOs and individuals as to what they earn.

What the National Assembly members need to know is that for every job done, there is equal and commensurate remuneration for it. As a result, stating what they earn won’t amount to any form of crime.

The money being paid to National Assembly members are from taxpayers money and not their personal purse, which means they are only answerable to taxpayers and no one else.

Moreso, the earnings of political office holders are stipulated by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) which is the agency empowered with such statutory responsibility, the National Assembly has no reason to hide their earnings except they have joined the executive arm in looting public funds which will only come to being when they earn more than the amount stipulated by the RMAFC.

Apart from encouraging transparency and accountability, it will also help in building trust between the electorates and the National Assembly members. The long-term effect of this is that it will help in shedding away the toga of corruption that is already associated with national assembly members.

The decision of National Assembly members to hide their salaries and other emoluments has not done any good to the image of the hallowed chamber and that should be stopped.

As long as they are not earning more than the RMAFC stipulated remuneration which is not formulated by them, no matter the amount they earn, they have no reason to hide it.

Hiding their salaries is highly undemocratic and a slap on the face of the electorates.

Editor