The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatization, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, supports the idea of having part-time lawmakers at both federal and state levels.
Senator Kalu, who represents the APC from the Abia North district, believes this change would lower expenses and help build trust among citizens. He shared these thoughts during an interview over the weekend.
Talking about a part-time legislature, Senator Kalu said, “I think it would be a great idea if my fellow lawmakers and other members of the Houses of Assembly agree that we can work for three months and first change the constitution.
“We could meet four times a year, and if there’s an emergency, we can have an emergency meeting. We can handle important issues like the president’s needs this way and then go back instead of working full-time.
“This would apply not only to the Senate and House of Representatives, but to all legislative bodies in Nigeria.”
Senator Kalu thinks this would be a smart way to cut costs, suggesting that a regional government could also be a good option.
“If we move to a regional government, it would mean ministers and legislators will be the same. I’ve been thinking about how we can save money to run Nigeria because the country needs funds.
“I’ll encourage the President and the National Assembly to pass such laws. This will help him, the system, and everyone else,” he said.
The ex-governor also clarified that, contrary to what many Nigerians think, senators don’t get paid that much.
“But I want Nigerians and my colleagues to quickly amend the constitution so we can have part-time Senates and part-time House of Representatives, as well as other 36 state Houses of Assembly in Nigeria.
“This will bring trust and relief to the Nigerian people,” the ex-governor added.