The lower chamber of the National Assembly has revealed that the green chambers are financially incapable of carrying out its legislative functions.
Hon. Benjamin Kalu from Abia State who doubles as spokesman for the House, said this when he spoke with newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.
He further called for a review and possible increase in the National Assembly budget, saying it needs to be reconsidered to fit into the harsh economic realities of the country.
Yes the house is broke, I have said it before and I am saying it again and I am not afraid of saying it.
This is the fact, until Nigerians believe that the appropriation that was made for the running of the National Assembly which was done when exchange rate of naira to dollar was 180 is less now than what it used to be.
The dollar equivalent today has gone up to over N400, the purchasing power of the budget as it is now, is weaker than it was 10 years ago,
Kalu who said he has raised his head in the house to ask questions concerning the house budget, saying he has constantly clamoured for an upward review of the budget.
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Why are you afraid to raise the budget of the National Assembly that will enable us conduct our services efficiently and effectively.
We appropriate for agencies to run effectively and yet, we are in penury trying to run our own constitutional mandate, it is a disservice to Nigerians and the poor budget of the parliament is a disservice to Nigerians,
Kalu who decried the low effect of the N128billion allotted to the house with over 6000 members, staff and aides that function in the National Assembly.
Source: NAN
