Cleric  Calls For Deemphasising Money In Politics

By Olu Babalola, Ibadan

Unless the Lawmakers at both the National and State Assemblies are made to sit on part time basis with less remuneration, corruption will continue to pervade both the legislative and executive arms of government in the country with adverse effect on the economy.

Prof. Sabitu Olagoke, founder/Spiritual Head, Shafaudeen in Islam

Professor Sabit Olagoke JP,the President of Ajagun Esin Consultative Forum (AECF), made the observation while fielding questions from news men in Ibadan recently.

The renowned Islamic leader said that the bogus salaries and allowances being received by the Lawmakers were too much in view of the economy of the country and the poor attitude of the parliamentarians to duties

He said that if they were to sit  part time basis and be made to receive sitting allowances ,the positions would be made less attractive and less competitive.

Olagoke stated that he could not imagine a Senator receiving about N12Million quarterly as constituency allowance apart from his salary which was very bogus and not in reality with the nations economy

He noted that it was incredible that a Senator receives far above the salary of a Professor with many of them just sitting down a bench warmers in the House.

Olagoke described as welcome and timely,the initiative of a group to form a new party to replace both the ruling party and the main opposition ,which he said ,have failed the country and landed us where we are today.

“But unfortunately ,those behind the proposed party are members of the present parties.I doubt if anything good can come out of it.And that is why  we need spiritual solution to our problemd.

Nigeria’s problem is more spiritual than social.We profess God and do otherwise mostly.Our shouts of Haleluyah and Alahu Ahakbar means nothing because our hearts are far from God ,he observed.

Olagoke blamed members and Executive of religious organisations for flirting with political leaders whose misgovernance could not be corrected by the Imams ,Sheiks ,Pastors and Prophets who ate their leaders.

He recommended that the academics and religious leaders should be included among those who would screen candidates to be presented to INEC for elections stressing that it should not be limited to security officers alone.

The Cleric described as unexpected,the handling of insecurity in the country by the Federal Government which initially treated with levity the massacres of people in Benue,Plateau ,Nasarawa an   Zamfara by Fulani Herds men pointing out that the President was expected to visit those states before the public outcry.

Olagoke said that it was ridiculous for an officer like Inspector General of Police could ignore with impunity,the order of the President adding that in a saner clime,such an officer would have been under interrogation.