Senator Orji Uzor Kalu Advocates for Six-Year Single Presidential and Gubernatorial Term

Nigerian Senator Orji Uzor Kalu proposed a single six-year term for Presidents and Governors as a solution to the challenge of politicians focusing on reelection instead of governance. According to the senator, when leaders are preoccupied with securing another term, they prioritize actions that boost their popularity rather than those that truly benefit the citizens.

Orji Uzor Kalu argued that this approach would encourage leaders to work more diligently in their first term, knowing they have limited time to make an impact. He emphasized that the current system of seeking reelection distorts the focus of governance and prevents substantial progress from being made. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu called for a constitutional amendment to implement this change, noting that it could lead to more accountability and improved governance across all levels of leadership.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu: Vehicle Use in Public Office, A Call for Accountability

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu also touched on the issue of excessive vehicle use by public officials. According to him, some appointees utilize as many as five to six vehicles for personal and official purposes without any scrutiny or accountability. This extravagance, Kalu noted, is not being addressed by those in charge, leading to wastage of public resources.

In contrast, Orji Uzor Kalu lauded the legislative arm for working hard to ensure that the Nigerian people are well-represented. He underscored that the legislators prioritize the well-being of their constituents by ensuring public funds are not misused and that resources are allocated responsibly. The senator stressed that the public should be more aware of the efforts by lawmakers to curb excesses in governance.

Nigerian Lawmakers Do Not Own Government Vehicles: Senator Orji Uzor Kalu

Contrary to widespread belief, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu clarified that Nigerian lawmakers do not personally own the vehicles they use in office. He stressed that all vehicles assigned to lawmakers are for official use and are provided by the committees in charge of logistics. This is in direct response to claims that legislators are living luxuriously at the expense of the taxpayer.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu maintained that these vehicles are tools necessary for their work, especially when they need to visit their constituencies. He explained that the vehicles are essential for carrying out their legislative duties and for keeping in touch with their constituents. The senator called for a more informed public understanding of the logistics involved in legislative work.

Monthly Earnings: Senator Orji Uzor Kalu Defends Lawmakers’ Pay

Addressing concerns about the earnings of Nigerian lawmakers, Senator Kalu stated that the N40 million he receives monthly is not excessive given the responsibilities attached to the role. He explained that the funds cover a wide range of expenses, including fuel for vehicles, travel to and from constituencies, and the maintenance of constituency offices. According to him, these expenses are necessary to ensure that lawmakers stay connected with the people they represent.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu further elaborated that the public often misunderstands the nature of lawmakers’ earnings. The bulk of their pay, he said, is allocated to operational costs rather than personal enrichment. He called for more transparency and dialogue between lawmakers and citizens to clarify how public funds are utilized.

The Role of Lawmakers in Constituency Support

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu also emphasized the critical role lawmakers play in supporting their constituents, particularly when individuals face challenges such as health issues. He noted that many people turn to elected representatives for assistance when they are ill or in need of other forms of support. This, he said, is part of the larger responsibility that comes with being an elected official.

The senator stressed that beyond lawmaking, Nigerian legislators are expected to provide personal support to their constituents. This dual role, according to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, requires significant resources and time, further justifying the expenses covered by their earnings. He urged the public to recognize the full scope of the responsibilities that lawmakers bear.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu Calls for Greater Public Awareness and Legislative Reform

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu concluded his address by urging for more public awareness on the intricacies of governance and the challenges faced by lawmakers. He called for better communication between the legislative arm and the general public to dispel misconceptions about the earnings and roles of lawmakers. According to him, many of the criticisms leveled against legislators stem from a lack of understanding of the responsibilities they shoulder.

Senator Orji Kalu also reiterated his call for a six-year single term for Presidents and Governors, arguing that this reform could transform governance in Nigeria by removing the distractions of reelection campaigns. He remains committed to pushing for legislative changes that prioritize the people’s well-being over political ambitions.