Reps Receive March Salary, Postpone COVID-19 Donation

Against pledge, Members of the House of Representatives have postponed the donation of their two months salaries to April and May this year. 

It was gathered that the members started receiving their salaries on Tuesday.

Recall that, Lifestylegist reported that the members of the house had pledged the donation of the two months salaries (March and April) to  support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Members, have started receiving their salaries without the deduction despite their promise to donate two months’ salaries to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

A member of the House who was paid his March salary disclosed to newsmen that many of his colleagues have equally received theirs. 

He said,

“The Speaker said March and April but members yesterday received March salaries. 

There’s seeming lack of coordination between the leadership and the clerk of NASS who’s responsible for transferring the funds."

Also, contacting another member, Solomon Maren (PDP, Plateau) confirmed that he was also paid his March salary but he was shocked, he added that he contacted the Speaker about the development. 

He said,

“The Clerk explained to the Speaker, that when the instruction for the deductions was given, it was late because the various banks have already prepared everything regarding the payment of salaries. 

“So, since it will not be reversed, the payment will now start from April and then May. You know, the banks are not working."

Reacting, the House spokesman, Benjamin Okezie Kali (APC, Abia) stated that the debit authorisation for the month had gone out in line with the standing debit order from the management of the National Assembly to the banks. 

Spokesman said,

“If there are administrative technical hitches, it is not due to the fault of the members but a minor payment system error that will be corrected to effect our unanimous decision that supports the federal government during these trying times."