Nigerians Wrong To Think Senators, Reps Are Overpaid – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has faulted Nigerians’ perception that members of the National Assembly are being overpaid for little work.

According to Buhari, the citizens do not understand the nature of the lawmakers’ work, hence the misconception.

The president said this at the launching of ‘The Green Chamber Magazine’, a publication by the House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, which held in Abuja on Wednesday.

Buhari, who was represented at the event by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said it was wrong to have that view about the federal lawmakers.

“Hitherto, the public perception of the national assembly is that of a bicameral legislature were overly comfortable and highly overpaid members merely stuff wads of currency notes into their pockets for little work done,” said the president.

“This wrong perception has resulted partly from the lack of understanding of the enormous work of lawmakers, especially outside the glare of television cameras.”

According to Buhari, the magazine will serve as an authoritative source and platform for the lawmakers to correctly inform the public about their activities.

“In addition, it will help the house to tell its own story, rather than relying on others to take charge of their narrative.

“It is said that no one can tell your story better than you. This magazine is long overdue. But like the saying goes, it’s better late than never,” said Buhari.

The event also had in attendance the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila; Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, representing President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; Governor of Katsina State and former Speaker of the House, Bello Masari; Governor of Imo State and former member of the Senate, Hope Uzodinma, among others.