On Thursday the House of Representatives says it is broke and cannot afford to carry out its constitutional mandate effectively.
“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 ten years ago,” he said.
Kalu said that he had fought with the leadership of the House and I have asked the question.
“Why are you afraid to raise the budget of the National Assembly that will enable us to 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,” he said.
The spokesman explained that the N128 billion appropriated for the National Assembly was divided among all the agencies in the parliament, about 6,000 members of staff and lawmakers aides.
Kalu said that legislators needed professional experts to work with them to produce laws and motion that would address the needs of the people.
“If you go to the U.S., you see professors who are consulting and working directly with members of parliament,” he said.
