By Bida Elly David
A civil society advocates for downsizing of the legislature and the executive of the unity government, saying the huge number consumes government funds without productivity.
Executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani terms the current parliament of 550 lawmakers, as an income-consuming institution.
He said there is a need for an urgent reduction of that number as soon as possible through democratic elections, as anticipated.
Yakani stated that the executive, which consists of many ministers, ought to be reduced as well to a certain number, adding that that would lessen the burden on the stretched national budget.
“This 550-member parliament is a consuming and not productive. We need to reduce it. Out of the 35 ministers, we need at least 10 to go home. we need to have a sizeable government,” Yakani argued.
The activist echoed that whether the government likes it or not, elections must be compulsory for citizens to have a chance to vote for competent leaders capable of delivering services to them.
CPEO’s boss underscored that out of the three organs of the government, the executive and some complicated lawmakers in the august house are so destructive and not interested in holding elections.
Yakani stated that such elements are sycophants whose intentions are to serve their own interests but not those of the vulnerable citizens undergoing suffering across the Country.
“Election is compulsory; therefore, there is no excuse for it, and we must make sure to see a proper budget for it. It is very clear that the executives are not interested in elections,” he proclaimed.
Yakani warned that another extension of the transitional government would be dangerous, especially for monetary consumption with no clear meaning.
“If we continue the extension of the extended government, it is a financial insecurity and a burden because it is a must to have elections,” he insisted.
The activist further underlined that elections would also have another drawback if wages for the army were not fully guaranteed.
“Imagine, lawmakers sit under AC and soldiers stand outside there with their wages so small. How do you expect protection while you are paid more than the mere soldier, who makes 0.1% of the income?” he questioned.
Yakani further stressed that unless the lawmakers represent the voices of the people, there will never be peace and rest for them in their seats occupied for no good task.