Orji Kalu, however, admitted that before he became a federal legislator he used to think lawmakers were idle
By Kehinde Okeowo
Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has said that Nigeria’s federal lawmakers are being taken for granted, insisting that people focus more on their wages and disregard the huge sacrifices they make.
He made this known on Monday while featuring on Channels Television’s programme, ‘Politics Today’, where he spoke extensively on national issues.
The former Abia State governor during the interview also said he has tightened his belt as a result of prevailing hardship in the country.
Speaking on the notion that Nigerian lawmakers are one of the highest earning legislators in the world, he argued that they also make a lot of sacrifices.
The former Senate Chief Whip went on to admit that before becoming a senator he used to think federal lawmakers were idle.
Orji Kalu said, “The Assembly does not control any money. We sign the budget and it goes to the MDAs. For me I have tightened my belt.
“Before, I usually thought these lawmakers just sat there. But there’s a lot of work going on there. I’m telling you the truth.
“Sometimes I don’t go to my house until 11 pm sitting in different committee meetings. So, people take Senators and House of Reps members for granted.
“But it’s not supposed to be like that. We should be respected. We agreed that we’re not the people running the country’s economy.
“Our duty is to make law, another arm of the government will execute the laws we’ve made.”
